MultiDyne is turning 50. Nanolumens is celebrating two decades with a new headquarters. Advanced Systems Group, Planar, Renkus-Heinz, and Chryon made strategic personnel moves. It was another hectic week on the Pro AV news wire.

[FORTÉ Research Dives into AI, Collaboration Spaces]

Sit back, relax, and get caught up with your weekly does of Pro AV Newsmakers.

[Apogee Insight Acquires PMA Research]

Ampetronic | Listen Technologies Names Vice President of Human Resources

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic have named Chris Linford VP of human resources (HR). Linford has been a consultant to Ampetronic | Listen Technologies for the past 11 months as the two brands have aligned leadership, resources, and over 65 years of combined experience under Allvida, a group of accessibility-focused companies. Linford continues to work with Maile Keone, president and CEO of Ampetronic | Listen Technologies, and the executive team in this new role.

In her role, Linford helps shape the culture at Ampetronic | Listen Technologies as she oversees talent acquisition, employee experience, performance management, compliance, learning and development, and total rewards. She ensures HR practices are scalable, compliant, and aligned with the organization’s mission.

Linford is an experienced senior HR executive and people leader. She has expertise in HR operations, succession planning, organizational development, and diversity and inclusion. Previously, Linford held senior HR and chief people officer roles at organizations across the financial services industry. She holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation.

ASG Names Kevin Poole Senior Project and Support Manager

Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has appointed Kevin Poole as senior project and support manager within the ASG Workflow and Tools practice. Poole’s role is a newly created position designed to strengthen project execution and post-sale client support within the group. Poole reports to Joe Marchitto, CTO, Workflow and Tools.

The bulk of his responsibilities involves managing the team’s project coordination and supporting its Southern California client base. In this role, he serves as a central point of contact for its customers once a project moves forward, helping ensure deployments run smoothly and issues are resolved quickly.

Eric Wolff Joins Chyron as Director of Venues Sales, North America

Chyron announced today the appointment of Eric Wolff as director of venues sales, North America. Wolff comes to Chyron with a wealth of relevant experience having served previously as director, broadcast operations and media production for T-Mobile Arena, with prior stints in lead production roles with the Arizona Cardinals, Van Wagner (NCAA Championships), and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Initially, Wolff’s role focuses on growth in the collegiate and minor league space.

"I’m incredibly proud and excited to join such a world‑class organization as Chyron," Wolff said. "In my 35 years in this industry, Chyron has always stood out as a true leader, and it’s an honor to now be part of the team. I can’t wait to contribute to the work of the best in the business."

Planar Expands U.S. Sales Force with West Coast Additions

Planar has expanded its U.S. sales force with the addition of two West Coast team members. The company recently welcomed a new regional sales director as well as business development manager for the company’s Consultants, Architect and Design (CAD) Group.

Antonio Dias leads Planar’s sales initiatives across the Western U.S. as regional sales director. He brings nearly 20 years of Pro AV industry experience, joining from Crestron Electronics where he held senior leadership roles supporting consultants, resellers, industry partners and end users. Recognized for his collaborative leadership style and strategic approach, Dias is well-positioned to strengthen relationships and deliver value for Planar’s reseller partners and customers throughout the region. He will report to Tani Klein, VP of North America Sales, and be supported by a seasoned team of regional account managers and applications engineers across the Western U.S.

Planar also welcomed Douglas Schoenherr as the company’s CAD Group business development manager for the Western U.S. He joins with nearly 30 years of experience in the Pro AV industry with a strong focus on consultant engagement and specification development. He previously served as consultant liaison at Biamp, where he cultivated strong relationships with AV/IT and MEP design consultants across the Southwest U.S. His experience working with the consultant community will help strengthen Planar’s engagement with architects, designers and technical consultants, supporting the specification of Planar displays across a wide range of applications. He is based in the Denver area and will report to Lainie Mataras, general manager of the CAD Group, and work closely with Applications Engineers Orlando Helena and Dusty Masanz.

Renkus-Heinz Welcomes Tony Jacques

Renkus-Heinz is continuing to expand its Tech Support operations with the latest addition of Tony Jacques as applications engineer. He serves as a key technical resource for integrators, consultants, and end users, providing hands-on guidance and supporting the deployment of Renkus-Heinz solutions across a wide range of applications.

Jacques’ audio background has taken him all over the world, working in a range of fields that have provided him with the expertise to strengthen the customer support of one of the world’s leading loudspeaker manufacturers. His career spans live sound, touring, installation, broadcast, and event production, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges audio professionals face every day.

Events

TOLA Expo 2026 Set for Its Largest Gathering Yet in Dallas

The 6th Annual TOLA Expo returns to Dallas on May 6–7, 2026, at the Dallas Trade Mart (Atrium), bringing together custom integration professionals from across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas—and beyond for the region’s largest residential technology trade show and education event.

Building on the success of the 2025 Expo—which welcomed nearly 200 integration companies and more than 500 attendees—TOLA Expo 2026 will deliver an expanded show floor, new technologies, and increased participation from across the custom integration channel.

Hosted in the Grand Pavilion Atrium at the Dallas Trade Mart, the four-story, glass-ceiling venue creates an engaging environment for hands-on interaction with factory experts from leading brands including Lutron, Nice, DMF, Samsung, Kaleidescape, Sonance, Proluxe, eero, Josh.ai, Epson, and more.

Partnerships, Anniversaries, and More

Bogen Communications Announces Technology Partnership With 911Cellular

Bogen Communications has announced a technology partnership with 911Cellular, a developer of critical communication technology, including silent panic buttons, mass communication software, and an incident management platform for K-12 schools nationwide. The integration connects 911Cellular panic buttons with Bogen Communications’ Nyquist IP-based paging platform to enhance emergency notification and response coordination.

Through the integration, when a 911Cellular panic button is activated, an alert is transmitted to the Nyquist system. The Nyquist platform can then broadcast emergency messages across multiple audio and visual channels, helping ensure that staff and other designated stakeholders are promptly informed of the situation and provided with response instructions. The integration is designed to reduce response times and limit incident severity by ensuring that key details surrounding an event are communicated quickly and clearly. By linking 911Cellular’s blend of software and hardware-based alerting tools with Bogen Communications’ infrastructure, schools can align notification workflows with established safety protocols.

Green Hippo Debuts Hands-On Hippotizer Media Server Training at Pixel Academy

Green Hippo launched its new Hippotizer Media Server training courses at Pixel Academy, a purpose‑built AV learning hub combining hands-on creativity, real‑world technology, and expert‑led instruction. Green Hippo and sister brand tvONE, both part of ACT Entertainment, have created Pixel Academy to equip the next generation of live events and AV professionals with the skills to deliver immersive and interactive visual experiences.

Based inside Green Hippo’s R&D Innovation Centre in Maidenhead, just 20 minutes from London Heathrow, the Academy gives direct access to the latest high‑performance tools, including the Hippotizer MX Series Media Servers, CALICO PRO creative video processors, and a full suite of high-resolution LED displays that create a truly immersive space.

MultiDyne Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation

MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems is celebrating its 50th anniversary as NAB Show 2026 approaches, marking five decades of innovation, customer-focused engineering, and sustained growth across the broadcast and live production industries.

Founded in 1976 by Vincent Jachetta, an Italian immigrant and NBC engineer, MultiDyne’s story began with a single breakthrough product developed in the family basement: the TS-1, the broadcast industry’s first portable test signal generator. That invention not only launched the company, but also earned MultiDyne its first Emmy Award and established a guiding philosophy that continues today: identify real-world challenges and engineer precise solutions.

MultiDyne has since evolved from a small family-run operation into a globally recognized provider of fiber-optic transport, signal processing and live production solutions. Along the way, the company has achieved major milestones including two Emmy Awards for technological innovation, strategic business acquisitions, and significant international growth with the 2023 opening of its European office.

In recent years, MultiDyne has experienced its strongest period of growth, achieving record performance while expanding its operational infrastructure, engineering resources and product portfolio. This momentum has been fueled by increasing demand across live production environments spanning broadcast, digital cinema, and professional AV markets.

Nanolumens Marks 20th Anniversary With New Headquarters 

Nanolumens is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 with the opening of a new headquarters in Duluth, GA. The milestone marks two decades of growth for the privately-owned and operated U.S. company, founded in 2006 and based in the greater Atlanta area since its inception.

The new headquarters is nearly 45,000 square feet and consolidates the company’s offices and warehouse operations into a single location. The building includes dedicated warehouse space and increased vertical storage capacity designed to support logistics, product fulfillment and spare product and module management. The move allows Nanolumens to scale operations more efficiently as demand for LED visualization technologies continues to grow.

A major feature of the new headquarters is a 2,500-square-foot demonstration showroom that showcases Nanolumens’ display technologies in real-world environments. The showroom includes application-focused zones highlighting use cases such as control room environments, immersive installations and architectural display systems. The showroom integrates technologies from ecosystem partners, including NovaStar, Barco, Megapixel, 7thSense, Pixera, and Smart Monkeys, and content from studios such as Gentilhomme, Render Impact, and Float4, highlighting how display technology, processing platforms, and digital content work together in deployed visual environments. The integrated setup reflects Nanolumens’ approach to supporting complete visualization systems rather than standalone display hardware.

Transformation Entertainment Group to Distribute MuxLab Products in the U.S. Market

Transformation Entertainment Group (TEG) has entered into a new distribution partnership with MuxLab, a global manufacturer of professional AV signal distribution solutions. The agreement expands TEG’s portfolio with MuxLab’s extensive line of AV over IP, matrix switching, signal extension, and connectivity products.

TEG will immediately begin offering MuxLab’s full line of products, including AV over IP systems, HDMI/USB extenders, matrix switchers, and broadcast‑grade connectivity solutions.

Pro AV around the Globe

Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has a new distribution partnership with Clean Sound & Light SRL, a Romania-based provider of professional audio, lighting and staging solutions. Through the agreement, Clean Sound & Light will serve as the official distributor of EAW products throughout Romania. The partnership marks an important step in strengthening EAW’s presence in Eastern Europe while reintroducing the brand to the Romanian market. With extensive experience supporting AV and staging projects of all sizes, Clean Sound & Light brings strong market knowledge and a project-focused approach that aligns with EAW’s commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable sound solutions.

LEA Professional is expanding its European reach through a newfound partnership with Copenhagen, Denmark-based distributor Matrix Sales. As a premier AV distributor in Denmark, the Matrix Sales team has proven its expertise as it delivers quality AV technology to its customers. Through this partnership, Matrix Sales will represent LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity.

Pliant Technologies announced a new distribution partnership with Audio Tecnologias based in Barcelona, Spain. The agreement expands Pliant’s presence in the Spanish market and strengthens Audio Tecnologias’ portfolio of advanced communication systems for broadcast, live events, education, industrial, and corporate applications. Founded in 2008, Audio Tecnologias specializes in the sale of professional audio products and the design and implementation of integrated communication solutions. Over the years, the company has delivered a range of high-profile projects across Spain.

Roland Professional A/V has announced the appointment of DWR Distribution as the official distributor for its product range in South Africa. This partnership represents an important step in Roland’s strategy to expand its presence across the African Pro AV market and strengthen support for integrators, production companies, houses of worship, corporate AV teams, and content creators across the region.

It has become a tradition like some others. Every year, I search the show floor for some of SCN's favorite booths. Whether it is ISE, NAB Show, or InfoComm, there is always awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping fun to be found.

Usually, Samsung's The Wall steals the show as the first thing you see, but as Cindy Davis reported, things have changed for 2025. This year, we focused on the booths that rocked our socks off visually in Orlando.

In SCN We Trust

InfoComm attendees were having fun with Panasonic's 'Iconic You' demo at its booth (1201). The company used the Iconic You software that uses—you guessed it, AI—to superimpose their faces onto historic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Sphynx, and Mount Rushmore (pictured).

It combines a Panasonic all-in-one 165-inch, 1.9 pixel pitch display and a UE160 Panasonic PTZ to capture the image (controlled with a remote to zoom in and out and really capture each person's facial features. An RQ25 2500-lumen laser projector displays the background which is masked around several displays. Go ahead, take your place in history... I did.

Tee Off on More Visuals

There were plenty of booths out there that had some flat-out, fun visuals and others that were interactive and got InfoComm attendees involved.

Optoma allowed guests to tee off in its golf simulator powered by a ZK810TST 4K UHD fixed lens, short throw projector (booth 2142).

MUXWAVE had plenty of cool visuals, including Epic Universe's own Mario, seemingly flying through the InfoComm show floor airspace with its holographic invisible screen (1443).

INFiLED had a smorgasbord of displays making you stop in your tracks (2333) and Planar had a massive... thing, created from flexible displays hanging from above (1926).

The InfoComm 2025 is a huge show floor, and we're adding as the show goes on. Check out that YouTube video above (or click here) and keep scrolling for more additions.

Immersive. Interactive. Intuitive. These are the buzzwords in today’s world of digital signage and massive displays. And they aren't limited to Times Square or sports stadiums—even a grocery store or doctor's office may be decked out in bright new displays.

That’s why having the right media player behind it all is more important than ever.

Landscape or Portrait?

Resolution and orientation are two important considerations for a digital signage install, and those decisions will impact your media player choice. “While the norm has been Full HD for many years, we’ve finally seen large-scale adoption of 4K,” said Joe Murray, technical operations manager and lead systems engineer at Visix. “The extra resolution has provided clients with the opportunity to showcase high-fidelity images and videos across their organization.”

“Any media player on the market today will accomplish a modest application of 720p video at 30 frames per second,” explained Jordan Feil, director of marketing, Navori Labs. “The story changes as the resolution escalates. What content will your organization publish today, and where does the roadmap lead a year or two in the future? These are some of the essential decisions when choosing the size of the media player and how much power it will consume.”

[Meet the Media Players Behind These SciFi, Fantasy, and Horror Immersive Experiences]

While 4K dominates the current Pro AV landscape, picking the right signage orientation is a bit trickier. “Depending on the application, both [landscape and portrait] orientations are useful,” said Ernie Wohlleben, president of New York-based custom integrator Architechnology Designs. “Signage is often presented differently than video entertainment content.”

“Digital signage end users today do not want limitations,” Feil added. “They want flexibility, which means that media players need to support both orientations. The average end user will use a 75:25 ratio of landscape to portrait.”

Speaking of flexibility, how many displays a media player can support, much like the preferred orientation, is often a case-by-case basis. “While some of our lower-end players support a single display, our higher-end players can support up to 12 displays natively,” Murray said. “Some of our clients even combine our high-end players with video processors to power even more displays than that.”

“Attempting to process video on a 32-screen video wall with a low-power media device will result in failure,” Feil noted. “We recommend media players that can reliably power eight screens at once. Ultimately, it’s about how powerful the device is and how much the end user can spend.”

Get Connected

What about getting the content up and running? There are several ways to get customized content to the media player.

“The days of the tech manager walking from screen to screen with USB sticks and keys to manually transfer files are over,” Feil said. “All professional media players today receive their content via the internet, whether using Wi-Fi or a wired LAN connection. A stable and reliable internet connection is required to ensure that content reaches the device. Content is customized before it is downloaded, which is why end users need a flexible and feature-rich CMS that is easy to use.”

“We offer players that support Ethernet or both Ethernet and Wi-Fi,” Murray said. “HDMI is still the reigning champ for display connectivity, although we’ve seen an uptick in the utilization of DisplayPort. Since most clients are familiar with HDMI, that tends to be the de facto choice.”

“HDMI remains the standard for audio and video,” Wohlleben agreed. “While wireless options do exist, hardwiring for data is the best practice.”

[USB-C: One Size Fits All?]

When it comes to installation, an integrator will need to consider several physical factors as well as the best options to mount the player. “If you plan on mounting a player directly behind a display, be sure to account for networking,” Murray offered. “If a player doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you may need a network drop behind the display, so the player can connect to your local network and/or the Internet. Additionally, if the player contains an external power supply, be sure there’s room to mount it behind the display.”

“Ideally, they live in the headend, but can easily be tucked behind a display as needed,” Wohlleben added.

That doesn’t mean even the most experienced in the field don’t face challenges. “Navori Labs recently worked with an end user to source about 200 individual media players that were specified for Windows,” recalled Feil. “Licensing costs were higher than the customer preferred, so we pivoted to Android-based players. The lesson learned here is that suppliers, their partners, and end users should experiment with different operating systems and hardware configurations and find solutions that check all the boxes.”

What's the right media player for your install? It depends on what you need today and what you may want tomorrow. Choosing the right media player for your application can be a challenge, but here are some media players from a range of manufactures to consider.

BrightSign HD5

The new 4K BrightSign HD5 is an affordable, versatile player offering the features and functionality needed for a broad range of digital signage projects. The standard model has Gigabit Ethernet, GPIO, and optional Wi-Fi and IR ports, while the extended I/O version adds USB and serial ports for added interactive functionality. The player is cased in a thin aluminum enclosure that dissipates heat, eliminating the need for a fan and helping the player operate silently.

MuxLab Android DigiSign

Android DigiSign, which supports a wide variety of video formats and codecs, works with MuxLab’s DigiSign CMS software. The CMS makes the loading and management of content playing on MuxLab's Android DigiSign media player (model 500799) streamlined and intuitive. The player supports up to 4K@60Hz (4:4:4) video streams, and offers two HDMI output ports to connect to two displays. Supported playlists and yearly scheduler functionalities simplify use. The player offers a wide range of features including multi-format video, image, and audio files, HTML5, widgets, and RSS feeds with the use of the DigiSign CMS.

Navori STIX 3700

StiX 3700 is a 4K Android media player, designed for reliable 24/7/365 digital signage use. The small form factor allows it to be easily hidden behind any display. It features sophisticated template rendering and seamless media transitions across all displays and screens, making for a fully plug-and-play experience for any type of screen. Navori provides total support for every screen size and orientation with easy maintenance.

Seneca Element

Seneca’s new version of the Element media player is powered by the AMD Ryzen processor, delivering more computing power options with devices that deliver high-quality performance in digital signage and IoT environments. The AMD processor provides integrators and end users with the Extended Display Identification (EDID) function, enabling the transmission of native resolution from the display to the media players. The Element media player comes in a compact form factor designed for easy integration behind displays, while simultaneously driving up to four combined displays. The system operates on Windows 10 IoT.

SpinetiX HMP400

The SpinetiX HMP400 is the latest generation of SpinetiX HMP players. Designed for any digital signage scenario, its commercial grade, fanless design enables the player to be used in the most demanding environments. The HMP400 comes with DSOS, the purpose-built operating system designed and developed by SpinetiX, and an Intel Atom processor. The player supports 4K/60 fps streams, allows for long-lasting 24/7 use, and is PoE+ capable (with a Wi-Fi version available).

Videotel Digital's VP92

The new VP92 is a 4K/1080p industrial-grade digital signage media player that is network and Wi-Fi capable. Access content remotely with a free cloud software or play content locally with a USB or SD card. The VP92 comes with StudioPro or StudioWeb, which allows end users to design their screen with creative components.

ViewSonic NMP599-W

The ViewSonic NMP599-W is a high-performance, 4K Ultra HD media player that can be integrated with smart technologies such as sensors, cameras, modules, and readers. Advanced signage features include AlwaysOn AppLock to present unauthorized access and StrongCache for continued playback even when a network is not available. It supports touch for interactive wayfinding or self-service kiosk applications, while providing 4K video playback and access to content from the cloud. The NMP599-W features a powerful quad-core processor and runs on an Android 7.1 operating system. Connectivity includes Gigabit ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n wireless, HDMI 2.0, Micro USB, USB 2.0, and 3.5mm audio-out.

Visix Element 4K

Visix brings content to life at resolutions up to 3840x2160. The compact unit supports both wired and wireless networking with external Wi-Fi antennas. These players are powered by Intel processors, with plenty of built-in memory (256GB SSD) and high-performance graphics cards and HDMI outputs. Landscape and portrait output are supported. As with all Visix media players, the Element 4K has built-in security, including Windows Firewall, to ensure data is protected at all times.

VITEC EP5+ End-Point

The VITEC EP5+ End-Point digital media player displays IPTV video content or digital signage on a single display or up to four multi-display videowalls. It enables decoding of two 4K IP streams or video files, simultaneously, for eye-catching signage or PiP views. Integrated with VITEC’s EZ TV Platform, the EP5+ is controlled and operated from a central management interface for the day-to-day administration of content, schedules, and user access rights. Designed with maximum video performance, lowest playback latency, and highest reliability in mind, the EP5+ features 100% hardware-based video decoding and solid-state components packaged in a rugged enclosure with no moving parts.

The confluence of advanced display technologies becoming literally and figuratively more flexible, as well as a more affordable total cost of ownership, have led creative agencies to embrace “digital signage” as a canvas for everything from informational signage to immersive environments. 

Architects are designing building facades with digital canvases incorporated rather than retrofitted. Corporate lobbies are awash with dvLED video walls that transport visitors to a curated experience that enforces a brand mission. More retailers are developing omnichannel marketing programs that nurture the customer journey from online to highly interactive displays in the store.

I’m excited to witness how digital signage has evolved to become a visualization medium with thoughtful design considerations for the application, audience, and message. 

The stunning canvases couldn't happen without many supporting players such as mounts, switchers, cables, content management systems, and more. 

Following are 31 visualization products and solutions (in random order). 

HSM-44-UHD

Hall Technologies’ HSM-44-UHD 4x4 matrix video switcher is ideal for use for multimedia presentations to create a fluid interactive method of presenting. This 4x4 matrix switcher supports HDMI resolutions up to 4K @ 60Hz4:4:4 as well as HDCP 2.2 and 1.4, 3D, deep-color and PCM, Dolby, DTS, and HD audio standards all in a small 1-RU package. Users can save and recall multiple matrix routing configuration presets from the easy-to-use front LCD panel display. EDID is automatically calculated based on each of the connected sinks. This product is shipping and available now.

Performance Series Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cables 

C2G’s Performance Series Ultra High-Speed HDMI Cables offer bandwidth up to 48Gbps and support all HDMI 2.1 features—including uncompressed 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, dynamic HDR and eARC—making them ideal for delivering immersive viewing experiences in high-resolution applications like digital signage. An in-wall-rated jacket allows installers to safely run the cables inside walls for a clean, clutter-free look. For high-density environments, they feature compact overmolding, and integrated finger grips on connectors allow for easy insertion and removal. Offered in five lengths from two to 12 feet, the cables are backed by a lifetime warranty.

Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays

Peerless-AV’s Xtreme High Bright Outdoor Displays are the perfect digital signage or entertainment solution for any professional application. Featuring an IP66-rated design, XHB displays are fully protected against water, dust, moisture, and insects. With an operating temperature range of -31 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, XHB displays are designed to thrive outside year-round. The Xtreme High Bright line of commercial displays also offers 2500nits of light output to combat high ambient lighting conditions, and the ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness, optimizing both power consumption and the viewer’s experience.

Element MP 

Seneca’s Element MP is the latest platform from one of the digital signage industry’s technology leaders. Described as “disruptive”, the Element MP is considered the most dynamic media player ever designed, with the easiest-out-of-box experience in the industry. From entry-level to enterprise applications—whether utilized as a media player, delivering 8K content at the edge; or as smart device, interfacing with programmatic sensors—the ElementMP offers unparalleled performance.

More than just our devices, the Seneca Experience offers easy deployment tools via our Maestro application and advanced device management with xConnect Guardian—all backed by our world-class support and warranty.

LHM2-N & LHM2-P Active Optical Cables

Opticis USA’s LHM2-N & LHM2-P Active Optical Cables were recently unveiled. The two additions to Opticis’ active optical cable (AOC) lineup are the LHM2-N (fixed-end) and LHM2-P (detachable). These new HDMI 2.0-based additions to Opticis’ AOC lineup offer simple plug-and-play installation and deliver true 4K (4096x2160) resolution for high-speed video and audio signal transmission up to 100m (328ft) without any degradation. The all-new LHM2-N and LHM2-P are made explicitly for mission-critical, digital signage, and cinematic display applications using a plenum-, LSZH-, or TPU-graded hybrid cable. These high-performance active optical cables support a high dynamic range (HDR) with digital cinematic initiatives (DCI) that display vibrant images and offer incredible theatrical experiences for movie enthusiasts.

FW-100BZ40J & FW-32BZ30J 

Sony’s FW-100BZ40J and FW-32BZ30J professional BRAVIA displays combine the brand’s proven image quality, ease of use, and specialized cosmetic design. The 100-inch (FW-100BZ40J) option provides immersive engagement in big venues or small rooms, while the 32-inch (FW-32BZ30J) offering can be used in classrooms, offices, or even at home. Flexible features common to both models include powerful processors, Pro Mode for customized settings, IP control, and mirroring functionality. Sony’s BRAVIA displays are the only professional displays that feature integrated mirroring through both Chromecast built-in and Apple AirPlay 2, providing a simple, quick, and seamless connection from a user’s device, which can enhance collaboration.

DigiSign Plus CMS Software 

MuxLab’s DigiSign Plus CMS software paired with the 4K Digital Signage Player Plus, and you get an unparalleled digital signage solution. MuxLab’s DigiSign Plus CMS Software helps you deliver targeted content reaching your customers to maximize sales and boost your revenue. DigiSign Plus was designed for an exceptional user experience with easy set up and maintenance. With easy-to-use widgets and a huge library of ready-to-use templates, we make designing content easy and seamless. DigiSign Plus offers key features like Proof of Play and Screen Rotation and makes user management a breeze. Our easy-to-use scheduler allows you to schedule content daily, monthly, and every annually
in seconds.

IPX-UC1-ULTRA 

Aurora Multimedia’s IPX-UC1-ULTRA makes it possible to capture, process, and distribute captivating visualization with a single product. The feature-packed IPX-UC1-ULTRA truly simplifies the AV technology manager’s workflow.

For digital signage, store the content on the UC1’s internal 1TB SSD. Process the content workflow with the integrated 11th-generation Intel processor. Deliver the content via 10Gbps, 1Gbps, and 10/100Mbps streams in both directions simultaneously. Automation, audio transport, and scaling are still just scratching the surface of the UC1’s capabilities.

Aurora’s IPX-UC1-ULTRA is the ultimate all-in-one Unified Communications solution. Literally everything but the display.

One:Quick

LG’s One:Quick series of collaboration solutions is designed to support all in-person and remote work environments. The series includes three parts: the One:Quick Works video conferencing display and all-around productivity tool; the versatile One:Quick Flex touch display with a moveable stand to accommodate diverse usage scenarios; and the One:Quick Share wireless presentation system which allows users to easily connect their laptop wirelessly to compatible LG digital signage products. This latest collection is designed to deliver an intuitive experience, enhancing productivity and collaboration to make office communication more convenient than ever.

Radian Flex

Black Box’s Radian Flex video wall software leverages commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware to enable the display of high-quality content from any source, in any resolution, across multi-screen display walls—including distributed visualization across multiple sites—in real time and in any creative configuration imaginable. Running on users’ existing Gigabit Ethernet networks, Radian Flex supports seamless content visualization at a budget-friendly price point. The software’s intuitive interface flattens the learning curve while providing powerful content manipulation capabilities. Because the solution can be scaled up simply, users can extend their visualization systems quickly, easily, and economically.

Pandoras Box V8 Software License 

Christie’s Pandoras Box V8 Software License, designed for real-time video processing and show control, features a host of professional new features, a simplified workflow, and streamlined licensing. Now, one single license has the full Pandoras Box software family feature suite, to deliver the high-level media processing performance required for fixed installations and live events, in a budget-friendly platform.

The simpler, more robust software supports NDI network streams, offers a comprehensive and deep implementation of Notch, and accessibility to native Dante audio without requiring configuration. It can be paired with an existing custom setup or any Christie hardware.

LD135-151 

ViewSonic’s LD135-151 is an all-in-one direct-view LED display. With the 135-inch size, it’s designed to be a visual centerpiece for a variety of content applications. It delivers stunning image quality with native 1080p resolution, 1.5mm pixel pitch, 600 nits of brightness, 4,440Hz refresh rate, and 120 percent Rec.709. With built-in ViewBoard Cast screen sharing software and the optional vCastSender app, users on-site and online can participate and share content. The LD135-151 features twin dual-core processors, 4GB RAM, and 32GB of internal memory to run multimedia from internal storage or a flash drive.

ShareLink Pro

Extron ShareLink Pro installations can now be turned into a dynamic and vibrant digital signage system when users aren’t connected or sharing content. Our latest LinkLicense upgrade utilizes downtime in ShareLink Pro 1100 and ShareLink Pro 500 systems by displaying customized information, news, or announcements from third-party digital signage providers like Appspace, Carousel, or Seenspire. ShareLink Pro displays now operate as both collaboration presentation systems and engaging digital signage systems, adding greater flexibility and functionality to your collaboration installations.

XT Media Players

BrightSign’s XT media players are ideal for enterprise applications demanding unsurpassed performance and state-of-the-art technology. With a powerful 4K video engine, BrightSign’s fastest HTML and graphics engine, and the company’s most powerful CPU, BrightSign XT is capable of handling the most demanding video applications. All BrightSign XT models feature Gigabit Ethernet, and BrightSign XT is the only product line offering dual 4K video decoding, 4K full resolution graphics, PoE+ as well as HDMI in for Live TV playback. BrightSign’s purpose-build XT media players deliver near-zero downtime, with performance that far exceeds PC-based digital signage at a fraction of the cost.

DirectLight Ultra Series 

Planar’s DirectLight Ultra Series line of MicroLED video wall displays delivers always-on, high-performance, high-resolution display experiences with the finest pixel pitches—from 0.6 to 0.9 millimeters—for mission-critical and refined applications. Planar DirectLight Ultra Series presents several display technology advancements that, in combination, deliver big performance with MicroLED technology, off-board power supply, proprietary alignment technology and the powerful Planar WallDirector Video Controller and corresponding video wall management software. The U.S. TAA-compliant displays are also covered by the Planar EverCare Lifetime Limited Warranty, providing complete product coverage from controller to sub-pixel and everything in between.

PowerLite 805F

Epson’s PowerLite 805F ultra short-throw laser projector offers low-maintenance, intelligent software, and powerful projection to unleash impactful experiences practically anywhere. Leveraging a convenient ultra-short throw design, Epson’s 3LCD laser technology, Full HD resolution, and up to 5,000 lumens, the PowerLite 805F delivers up to 130 inches of captivating, true-to-life images with 360-degree placement to transform a variety of spaces. This laser projector streamlines workflows with a full array of connectivity options and built-in content management software with a compatible creative content projection app that allows users to easily create custom content and amazing effects.

AxisTV Signage Suite

Visix’s AxisTV Signage Suite allows you to publish message playlists to a URL so remote employees, students, and staff can stay in the loop. The viewer creates a custom URL for your playlist so you can embed it into websites and intranets, or simply provide the direct link to your audience. You can combine more than one playlist and, because it’s HTML5, it’s responsive to any screen size—desktops, tablets, or mobile phones.

Combine multiple playlists into a single HTML5 feed; select playback options and transitions; share direct links via email and messengers; and embed on websites and intranets.

Digital Signage Ready Software-as-a-Service

22Miles’ Digital Signage Ready (DSR) software-as-a-service is compatible with market-leading hardware providers, offering a portfolio of ready-built software and service bundles that allow for quick setup and deployment of digital signage experiences. DSR encompasses entry-level digital and interactive signage software and content management features that are ready-to-customize, ready-to-bundle, and ready-to-deploy. The intuitive template software is accompanied by professional and technical support services from content management experts at 22Miles to assist customers with project setup, training and deployment, content development, and data assistance. The DSR software bundles are compatible with popular signage operating systems and include cloud hosting for seamless operation.

Narrow Pixel Pitch Video Walls

Daktronics’ narrow pixel pitch video walls leverage new LED technology that increases both contrast and durability while also featuring the tightest pixel options available on the market, at 0.7 and 0.9 millimeters. These pitches are specifically ideal for very close viewing where 4K can be achieved in as little as a 138-inch diagonal measurement. These can be installed in atriums, auditoriums, control rooms, board rooms, and anywhere the display would be within an arms’ reach of viewers. Durability allows for quicker, easier installation while the contrast of the displays delivers greater contrast and improved image quality.

PR-WP-412

AMX’s PR-WP-412 is an incredibly versatile and powerful AV solution that is both a fully featured 4x1+1 windowing processor with mirrored outputs and a 4x2 seamless matrix switcher. When configured as a windowing processor, the four video inputs can be arranged in any configuration and composited into a single output. In matrix switcher mode, the PR-WP-412 acts as a 4x2 seamless video switcher. It is loaded with best-in-class features, including truly seamless switching, class-leading 4K60 4:4:4 video quality, integrated audio breakaway, and extreme control flexibility with an open control API, a simple-to-manage HTML5 web interface, and front panel controls.

Conditional Triggering

Navori Labs’ Conditional Triggering is a QL digital signage software feature based on data-driven rules that the user configures within the QL Content Manager interface. QL Player executes the triggers in real time for display once configured and published. Conditional Triggering offers more flexibility in dynamic content delivery for context-aware digital signage and removes the guesswork about about what content makes sense days or even weeks in advance.

For example, a retailer can base what plays on specific screens in stores on inventory levels or deliveries, with preset rules that trigger one-time promotions from linked management systems when new stock arrives.

QUADzilla FHDQ163

Optoma’s QUADzilla FHDQ163 is an award-winning all-in-one LED display, delivering larger-than-life 163-inch imagery, 600 nits, a 1.9mm pixel pitch, and 4K UHD source compatibility, producing stunning images with richer colors and incredible high contrast. The QUADzilla comes pre-calibrated out of the box and features an ultra slim detachable bezel to easily combine multiple displays for large scale installations. The display also boasts a 4-in-1 Surface Mount Diode layout for a smoother screen surface and a 170-degree wide-viewing angle, along with industry-leading Calibre HQUltra 4K image processing technology, providing best-in-class picture quality with low latency video processing. 

TH-75CQ2U 

Panasonic’s TH-75CQ2U 75-inch 4K UHD Professional TV offers 400cd/m2 brightness, 4K resolution and supports 4K/60p signals for exceptional high-quality visuals. They are designed for 16 continuous hours of operation and support LAN, serial, and three HDMI CEC for multiple device connectivity. Also included is a built-in ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner, making the CQ2U TV a great fit for various environments and many digital signage needs. Whether in an office, classroom, retail, or hospitality venue, the ability to deliver clear and crisp images is critical and directly impacts the ability for someone to understand a presentation or be enticed to make a purchase. 

Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail 

PPDS’ Intelligent Signage Solution for Retail is a new AI-powered digital signage offering that combines Philips displays with intelligent context-aware software and camera technologies for targeted, data-driven customer marketing and experiences. The solution lets retailers make more informed business decisions using advanced analytics based on the store’s activities throughout the day, week, month, or year. 

Compatible with PPDS’s Philips P-Line 24/7 signage range, the software analyses video feeds from embedded or IP-based cameras around the store. These produce anonymous marketing data and comparable metrics based on foot traffic and people’s physical features—which can be used to deliver bespoke, targeted content to help drive sales.

Neo QLED 8K Signage 

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K Signage is the next generation of QLED for businesses, offering the best in performance and management. Exceeding traditional LED standards, this signage technology utilizes advanced Quantum Matrix Technology Pro and Quantum Mini LEDs to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience. Bringing 8K to life, viewers can expect refined and brilliantly colored content filled with immaculate detail. Exceptional brand messaging and the display’s superb picture quality work together to create an engaging customer journey. Combined with flexible installation, true immersion, and pixel-perfect contrast, the Neo QLED 8K Signage display is a powerful tool that enhances any business environment.

NEC E Series 

Sharp NEC Display Solutions’ NEC E Series is an entry-level dvLED that provides cost-conscious customers impressive imaging with bright panels ranging from 600 cd/m2 to 1,000 cd/m2 with a tight pixel pitch from as low as 1.2mm to 1.8mm for indoor use. The E Series lineup boasts convenience and flexibility as the modules can be built in virtually any configuration and even curve around walls. With a wide color gamut, high refresh rate, and seamless dvLED wall capability, this solution provides the ultimate wow factor.

Pro 2 Series 

SunBriteTV’s Pro 2 Series is designed for permanent installations in areas with full sun exposure and features a sleek, thin-bezel with impact-resistant glass that shines brilliantly. The extra-bright, heat-resistant, 1,000-nit screen with 4K Ultra HD resolution paired with TruVision anti-glare technology delivers vivid pictures viewable from multiple angles, even in direct sunlight, making it ideal for viewing even in high traffic areas. 

Like all SunBriteTV televisions, the Pro 2 has a durable, powder-coated aluminum body to resist rust and corrosion while protecting its internal components from weather and insects. The internal heating and cooling system regulates running temperature and eliminates condensation.

Out-of-Home Solution

Broadsign’s OOH Solution, comprises a robust content management system, sales and messaging tools, the Broadsign Reach Supply-Side-Platform (SSP), and the Campsite demand-side-platform (DSP). Together these technologies are making it simpler, more cost-efficient, and more profitable to buy, sell, manage, and deliver out-of-home (OOH) media across a range of displays and regions. More than 425,000 signs along roadways and in airports, shopping malls, health clinics, transit systems, and other venues spanning 82 different countries are powered by Broadsign technology.

TRx

VuWall’s TRx is a centralized management software and is the only platform that combines AV-over-IP distribution with full-featured advanced video wall management. Ideal for centralized control of small to large video walls located throughout multiple rooms, floors, and campuses, TRx simplifies complex AV-over-IP projects with a single easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface that can route hundreds of sources without any programming. 

TRx features an HTML-based control panel designer, an extensive API, KVM control, and advanced security and user rights management. Thanks to its interoperable and hybrid design, TRx facilitates a multi-brand environment and provides the most effective distribution of any source to any display.

The Art Server

Blackdove’s Art Server is the essential media player for matrix switch-based video distribution of digital artwork. The Art Server is preconfigured with Blackdove software, connecting it directly to the Blackdove digital art gallery and subscription service. It also includes an SSD drive for locally caching client art collections on the LAN, allowing the client to upload art purchased separately from the Blackdove gallery directly to the Art Server. It has a single 4K 60Hz HDMI output. Wi-Fi and Ethernet (preferred) models are available.

Carousel Cloud

Carousel Digital Signage’s Carousel Cloud is a subscription-based SaaS platform that leverages a lightweight, software-defined architecture centralized within an offsite IT infrastructure. The highly scalable, enterprise-wide digital signage platform keeps the focus on content development and audience engagement and eliminates the expense and maintenance of traditional hardware servers. Carousel Cloud is natively supported in AppleTV devices, and deployable through BrightSign’s BSNcloud network management platform. Carousel Cloud software also now integrates with Power BI, Microsoft’s AI-powered data visualization toolset for enterprise businesses. This allows Carousel Cloud users to create and share important business information across corporate digital signage networks.

The Digital Signage Event (DSE)—held virtually this Thursday—will bring a full day of education, networking, and giveaways galore.

Attendee will have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes from sponsoring manufacturers in the Passport to Prizes* contest. To be eligible for the drawing, attendees will need to visit all of the exhibitors in the virtual hall. Qualified attendees with the top scores will automatically be entered to win prizes.

In addition, attendees will be rewarded for being social. AVNation and Systems Contractor News will give away three $50 Visa gift cards** for the tweets with the most engagement on Twitter or LinkedIn using #DSE2021 and #AVTweeps.

"We pride ourselves on the interactivity of our virtual events, and we're rewarding attendees who truly engage with the platform" said Megan A. Dutta, content director, Systems Contractor News. "Through the generosity of our sponsors like Vistar Media, Planar, and more, we're able to gift attendees with prizes for simply participating in the event."

Passport to Prizes include:

—Planar SL5564K 4K LCD Display

—$100 Visa Gift Card from Vistar Media

—Hall Technologies swag bag that includes a t-shirt, water bottle, and $250 Visa gift carrd

—Peerless-AV swag bag that includes a backpack, water bottle, notebook, and $50 gift card

—Free 60-day trial of 22Miles software with complimentary training

—$100 Visa Gift Card from Crimson AV

—Muxlab Video Capture & Recorder

—Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

For more information or to register, visit thedigitalsignageevent.com. Registration closes at 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 3.

*Passport to Prizes Details

To be eligible for the drawing, attendees will need to visit all of the exhibitors in the virtual hall. Participants will receive 10 points for every booth visit, and 20 points for every chatroom engagement with the sponsors. Qualified attendees with the top scores will automatically be entered to win prizes. Attendees do not need to be present to win and the judges' decisions are final.

**#DSE2021 Social Details

Attendees must use both #DSE2021 and #AVTweeps on Twitter for consideration. The three tweets with the most engagement (shares, likes, etc.) will win a $50 Visa (or the like) gift card. Attendees do not need to be present to win and the judges' decisions are final.

On March 4, The Digital Signage Event took a deep dive into the ever-expanding world of digital signage.

The day featured panels on topics ranging from video walls to digital signage software to DOOH and hosted a virtual exhibit hall filled with the hottest digital signage innovations. Read our in-depth coverage of the day's panel discussions.

Here are the products and services we highlighted at the event.

Planar HRO Series

Planar HRO Series fine pitch outdoor LED video walls are built for close-up daylight viewing, featuring 3,500-nit brightness and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Offering some of the finest pixel pitches available for outdoor LED displays, 1.5 millimeter and 1.9 millimeter, the series delivers impactful visual experiences for audiences even in direct sunlight.

Hall Technologies HIVE Control

The HIVE Control system leverages modern IoT, legacy control, and automation systems to deliver an end-to-end AV solution. Hall Technologies' subscription-based native cloud platform allows its customers to configure, modify, analyze, and scale without the cost of licenses or per room costs.

Peerless-AV Seamless Kitted Series dvLED Mounting Systems

Peerless-AV says its Seamless Kitted Series dvLED Mounting Systems set the bar for high-quality design while achieving top aesthetic results for unique applications. Offering a slim, space-saving, and aesthetically-appealing design, the Kitted Series can be adapted to support all dvLED video wall needs, ensuring the top aesthetic results.

Hiperwall Hidralink—Available From Synnex

Hiperwall’s HidraLink software—available exclusively through Synnex— provides users a low-cost solution for displaying individual desktop applications on up to eight HDMI displays, keeping organizations connected and decision makers informed. HidraLink is  designed to be ideal for business signage, emergency response, retail, data monitoring, and other applications. 

22Miles Protection-as-a-Service Suite

Protection-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions operate within a customizable software platform to address evolving public safety measures through digital signage and wayfinding. The suite includes TempDefend facial and body temperature detection software, Touchless Touch voice and gesture activation, Secure Mobile Control for any OS with a QR code scan, and the Digital Notifications Suite.

Broadsign

Light up the world with Broadsign's digital signage platform. Broadsign’s software helps media owners unlock the full value of their network through automation, business optimization, and support for programmatic media sales. Users can generate revenue from their network with specialized sales tools backed by powerful optimization engines., reach new buyers with programmatic ad sales, efficiently manage digital media with the company's content management system, and deliver campaigns across a network of any size with automated workflows.

Crimson AV Unistrut Menu Board Mount

Crimson AV's Unistrut Video Wall Mount with 8 Alignment Points & Push-In/Pop-Out Technology is designed for ease of use and installation; the VWG3U unistrut menu board mount makes installing video wall systems quick and simple. Mounting directly to unistrut channels in minutes, even large configurations can be quickly assembled by a single installer. Alignment is made easy with eightt different adjustment points, and no tools are required for wall break adjustments, ideal in situations involving uneven walls. One touch lock-and-key mechanism keeps the display secure, while the push-in/pop-out technology ensures fast display servicing.

Dell 86-Inch 4K Interactive Monitor

Dell says its 86-inch display (model C8621QT) delivers intelligent, responsive technology for improved collaboration. The design features 20-points of touch and integrated speakers. This interactive touch monitor seamlessly integrates an optional Dell OptiPlex Micro PC, which allows IT to select the best option for your business needs and provides all-in-one convenience.

Muxlab 4K Digital Signage Player Plus with MuxLab DigiSign Plus Software 

The MuxLab DigiSign Plus CMS works with the 4K Digital Signage Player Plus and allows users to easily create, arrange, manage, and schedule video, images, audio, and HTML content from a variety of sources, including content streaming via an H.264/H.265 codec over a local Ethernet network, the Internet, via internal memory, and external USB 3.0 memory devices.

Sony Bravia 4K HDR Professional Display

The FW-100BZ40J is robust and rigid and designed for a wide range of B2B applications. A new Cognitive Processor XR delivers superb picture quality, amazing color, contrast, and clarity. High brightness of 600-nit (typical)/940-nit (peak) is achieved. A powerful Android OS SoC platform ensures fast boot-up, smooth apps and a seamless user experience.

A staple product in AV deployments across facilities and campuses, the mighty digital signage player has seen a flurry of innovation in recent years. In addition to boosted performance to handle today’s demanding video formats and resolutions, the latest breed of devices boast features to make tech managers’ lives easier, too.

The following is a collection of the latest models from leading manufacturers.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to the New Era of Digital Signage

BrightSign XT Series

BrightSign’s XT media players are designed for enterprise applications demanding high performance and state-of-the-art technology. With a 4K video engine, BrightSign’s fastest HTML and graphics engine, and the company’s most powerful CPU, BrightSign XT is well suited for leading-edge digital signage installations involving H.264 and H.265 decoding, Dolby Vision and HDR10 media profiles, and 1080p and 4K playback including Mosaic Mode. 

BrightSign’s XT media players are powered by a hardware-accelerated HTML5 rendering engine that enables playback of multiple modular HTML5 assets including Javascript, CSS animations, WebGL, and even swipe/gesture interactivity. All BrightSign XT models feature gigabit Ethernet, dual 4K video decoding, 4K full resolution graphics, PoE+, and HDMI In for Live TV playback. BrightSign’s XT media players deliver near-zero downtime with high performance at a competitive price.

Elo Backpack

The Elo Backpack is engineered to transform standard digital signage into an interactive experience. The Android compute engine enables users to run audio and video content, interactive HTML webpages, and/or Android-based apps. It features the flexibility and functionality of Google Play Services, enabling apps to take advantage of the latest Google-powered features. The Elo Backpack also features EloView, Elo’s Android MDM, streamlining the deployment and management process. With integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and expansive I/O options, Backpack helps facilitate the creation of unique interactive signage solutions.

Built on Elo’s Unified Architecture, users can scale across sizes and form factors from 7 to 65 inches, creating a consistent, cost-effective deployment optimized for commercial use. 

Enplug Digital Signage Player

Enplug’s High-Performance Digital Signage Player is designed to drive content to any digital signage endpoint within the Enplug ecosystem. The player is tested against top industry standards for reliability, broad compatibility, and 4K support. Enplug users can connect the player to any HD display in portrait or landscape orientation to deliver content with 1080p and 4K video playback at 60 frames per second. 

Content is updated via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and stored locally on the device for uninterrupted operation, even if the internet is temporarily disconnected. Once the internet connection is restored, the player automatically re-connects and updates any content.

Kramer VIA GO²

VIA GO² gives iOS, Android, Chromebook, PC, and Mac users wireless connectivity with 4K advanced presentation capabilities. The product features content streaming with mirrored images and video playback and includes iOS, Windows, and Android mirroring. VIA GO² is compact (7x7cm) and flexible to install with both built-in Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity and includes 1024-bit encryption for secure use on the internal network. VIA GO², when it isn’t actively presenting, acts as an interactive display signage tool. Its small form factor makes it easy to conceal behind the display for a sleek profile.

MuxLab 4K Digital Signage Player

MuxLab’s DigiSign Plus CMS Software and 4K Digital Signage Player are engineered with robust features and user-friendly operation. MuxLab DigiSign Plus CMS works with its 4K Digital Signage Player Plus (model 500789) and allows users to create, arrange, manage, and schedule video, images, audio, and HTML content from a variety of sources, including content streaming via an H.264/H.265 codec over a local Ethernet network, the internet, via internal memory and external USB 3.0 memory devices.

The system supports numerous widgets including RSS and Instagram feeds, text tickers, clocks, stocks, exchanges, weather info, and maps. The system supports multiview layouts, including picture-in-picture (PIP) and the ability to create a schedule of up to 1 year or more of content in advance. The user can then publish the signage content and schedule to the 4K Digital Signage Players distributed throughout a network and displayed on the connected TVs.

PureLink MPX100 II

PureLink’s MPX100 II Wireless Digital Signage solution includes the MPX Content Management Suite, offering comprehensive digital signage program creation including on-demand touchscreen programming and a full range of scheduling tools. Complete diagnostics and metrics are available from any player throughout an MPX system where users can create anywhere from one to hundreds of players spanning different states, and manage them all from one location. It also enables the creation of many different access roles to allow content creators, administrators, and others access the system anywhere, anytime.

Samsung S-Box

Samsung’s SNOW-JMU S-Box for indoor, direct-view LED displays, such as Samsung’s The Wall, allows businesses of all sizes to deliver visual content with a fast processor and enhanced image quality. Additionally equipped with Samsung’s MagicINFO software for content management, the S-Box offers memory and connectivity options, making it well suited for usability across a variety of industries including education, corporate, healthcare, retail, dining, and more. Further, users can update and manage the content remotely, allowing for the connected displays to showcase up-to-the-minute content. For organizations and businesses looking to manage content in highly sensitive environments, the S-Box is fully supported by Tizen 4.0, Samsung’s secure, custom operating system.

Shuttle DH470

Shuttle’s new DH470 is designed to provide high performance from a tiny footprint. Featuring a compact and rugged design with low-temp operation, the digital signage player offers up to 10 cores for multitasking and smooth video. At 43mm in height, the DH470 has enough room to add a 2.5-inch hard drive as well as dual M.2 expansion cards and support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. Input/output options include up to eight USB and two serial ports as well as built-in HDMI 2.0a and DisplayPort ports, with two RS-232 interfaces as well as an SDXC card reader. The platform also supports integrated UHD graphics and PCIe controllers, and its industrial capacitors meet demanding environmental conditions, operable in 32–122 degrees F (0–50 degrees C) temperatures.

SpinetiX HMP400

Designed for digital signage, the SpinetiX solution featuring the new HMP400 player combines commercial-grade hardware with a purpose-built operating system for operation in a variety of applications. Together with the preinstalled DSOS by SpinetiX operating system, the player supports three modes of use on top of the built-in SpinetiX ARYA cloud-based service. These modes enable users to deliver interactive, data-driven digital signage content that integrates with third-party technology like sensors, cameras, smart buildings, queue management systems, and more.

Engineered in Switzerland and made in Germany, the HMP400’s powerful hardware is capable of reliably delivering 4K60 video in 24/7 operation for a decade. It features an Intel Atom processor, passive heat dissipation, and Power over Ethernet (PoE). A Wi-Fi version is also available.

ViewSonic NMP520-W

The ViewSonic NMP520-W network media player is engineered to deliver reliable 4K multimedia playback and messaging to large-format displays. Equipped with the latest Rockchip RK3368 Octa Core Cortex-A53 64-bit SoC chipset, the NMP520-W offers high-performance functionality in a small package. The compact profile and VESA-compatible design make it well suited for out-of-site installation behind digital signage displays, while the industrial casing make it durable for commercial environments. 

With 16GB of built-in memory, the NMP520-W can store and playback hours of high-definition content, and because it is based on an Android 8.1 operating system, it is compatible with standard digital signage industry software. The NMP520-W comes with connectivity options including HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, wired Gigabit and wireless LAN, Bluetooth, audio out, and an SD card reader. 

Visix Nano

The Visix Nano is purpose-built to provide reliable 1080p playback for digital signs in the smallest package available, measuring just 2.75 inches square. The Nano is Visix’s smallest player yet, and is designed to fit anywhere, including ceilings and other tight spaces where compact footprint is a requirement. The player is well suited for less video-intensive applications that still demand highly reliable performance from a compact, economical digital signage player.

The Nano player integrates features including 64GB eMMC storage, 4GB LPDDR4 memory, and support for wired and wireless networking. It is powered by the Intel Apollo Lake Celeron N3350 Processor, and comes with a Kensington security port.

VITEC EZ TV EP5+

VITEC’s IPTV and Digital Signage Platform, called EZ TV, manages IP video content across any network to enhance communication for military, enterprise, and sports venues. Designed to scale to meet the requirements of any size deployment, it is managed from a centralized server, and the Digital Signage module is robust enough to support the most advanced signage workflows.

The EZ TV platform uses hardware-based endpoints to deliver IP video in HD or 4K, and will work on mobile devices and PC browsers connected on the network. The new EZ TV EP5+ player is a 4K enabled, multi-display device that can send four HDMI signals for a single image to span any 4x screen configuration. This single-device solution is engineered to replace the need for a video wall processor or multiple discreet devices, enabling small-scale video wall deployments that reduce both cost and complexity.

Simply put, streaming video has never been bigger. With audiences, employees, and students spread out across the world, it’s streaming technology that’s keeping everyone connected. But for pro-grade applications, a simple smartphone setup isn’t going to cut it. 

That’s where pro AV comes in. With some good capture equipment and the right encoders and processors, institutions can take their streaming game to the next level, creating productions that rival the quality of broadcast TV. The following are the latest devices from top pro AV brands to help you get the job done.

Related: The Technology Manager's Guide to Videoconferencing and Streaming

AJA BRIDGE LIVE

AJA’s new BRIDGE LIVE is designed to move Ultra HD or multi-channel HD uncompressed baseband SDI video to and from a wide range of streaming and contribution codecs, reliably and safely over the public internet. Designed in partnership with Comprimato, BRIDGE LIVE is a turnkey solution built for critical streaming applications with high-performance 12G-SDI video encoding/decoding, simultaneous encoding/decoding in HD, stream-based transcoding, flexible I/O, comprehensive metadata support, and closed caption support, all within a compact 1RU form factor with redundant power supplies. BRIDGE LIVE meets the rigorous live video production and delivery demands of Telco, IPTV, and cable operations, broadcast facilities and OB trucks, sports arenas, houses of worship, and beyond with key transport protocols like SRT, RTMP, UDP, and more. Its intuitive interface helps professionals mesh HD/Ultra HD SDI and streaming/IP for live workflows using H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC, and H.262/MPEG-2 TS, as well as JPEG 2000 via an additional license.

ATEN UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO

The ATEN UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO is a portable, all-in-one, multi-channel audio/video mixer device that integrates a 1080p video capture, video recorder, video switch, stream broadcaster, video converter, video splitter, and audio mixer into one compact box to eliminate the hassle of working with different AV equipment. The UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO makes HDMI video sources broadcast for higher-quality live stream to CDN platforms. For added convenience, the UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO provides an intuitive app, making it easier to monitor, edit image layouts, and DVE, PiP, or PbP settings. The UC9040 StreamLIVE PRO is PC and software-free, and with its control panel, it makes livestreaming operations smoother. You can even preview video and monitor audio levels before going live with a web broadcast. 

Blackmagic Web Presenter

Blackmagic Web Presenter is designed to simply the process of getting high-quality video directly on the web for a new generation of web broadcasting. It replaces expensive and hard-to-set-up dedicated streaming encoders and lets customers or broadcasters use professional cameras to stream high-quality video through their favorite software and websites, such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and more. Featuring 12G-SDI and HDMI connections, Blackmagic Web Presenter will down convert any SD, HD, and Ultra HD source and make them look like a 720p USB webcam. Because Blackmagic Web Presenter looks like a simple webcam, any webcam compatible software will be able to capture this USB video and audio from any broadcast-quality source without the need for additional drivers. 

Crestron DigitalMedia H.264 Solutions

Crestron’s portfolio of live streaming encoders/processors—including HD Streaming Transmitter/Receiver (DM-TXRX-100-STR), Streaming Input Card for DM Switchers (DMC-STR), Streaming Output Card for DM Switchers (DMC-STRO), and HD Streaming Receiver and Room Controller 100 (DM-RMC-100-STR)—enable distribution of high-definition AV signals and content over an IP network. The HD Streaming Transmitter/Receiver is a compact, high-definition H.264 streaming transmitter or receiver for use with a Crestron DigitalMedia system or other application. The Streaming Input Card for DM Switchers provides a single H.264 streaming input for any DigitalMedia Switcher with modular input card slots; while the Streaming Output Card for DM Switchers is a modular output card for DM-MD8X8, DM-MD16X16, or DM-MD32X32 switchers, providing one H.264 streaming output. The HD Streaming Receive and Room Controller 100 is a compact, high-definition H.264 streaming receiver and room controller for use with a DigitalMedia system or other application. 

Extron SMP Series

Extron SMP Streaming Media Processors connect students and employees to live or on-demand content anytime, anywhere, on any device. The robust recording and streaming appliances are designed to fit into any workflow for both ad-hoc and scheduled activities. A purpose-built, scalable SMP architecture offers enhanced features and capabilities, above and beyond software, and PC-based recording and streaming. Using any browser on any device, users can remotely control the SMP to start, stop, and pause recordings without touching a physical interface. Content is captured to a USB drive, network share, and enterprise video platforms like Kaltura, Panopto, YuJa, and OpenCast with simplicity of use, video quality, and proven reliability.  

Kramer VIA

Kramer’s VIA solutions are engineered to make it easier to live stream to all the leading platforms, like YouTube, Kaltura, and Panopto, as well as conduct interactive sessions using your favorite conferencing tools like Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. Educators and employers alike enjoy all the benefits of VIA’s full suite of tools, while in-class/at-work and at-home students/WFH employees enjoy a user-friendly learning/work experience; ideal for the COVID-19 era. 

Magewell Ultra Stream

Magewell’s Ultra Stream encoders are designed to make live streaming simple even for non-technical users, enabling them to stream or record high-quality video with one click using on-device buttons, a browser-based web interface, or a smartphone app. Available with HDMI or SDI input interfaces, Ultra Stream encoders let users stream to popular services including YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch, or to a custom-specified server. In addition to outputting live streams, Ultra Stream encoders can record video as files to a directly connected USB drive, internal storage, or the associated smartphone for subsequent on-demand viewing. Recent Ultra Stream updates have added enhanced file recording modes as well as support for the RTSP streaming protocol alongside existing RTMP and RTMPS capabilities.

Marshall Electronics VS-102-HDI

The VS-102-HDI is a high-definition video server that allows real-time transmission of HDMI or NTSC/PAL composite video signal along with bi-directional AAC encoded high-definition stereo audio over standard IP networks and the internet. Marshall Electronics’ VS-102-HDI incorporates advanced H.264 and MJPEG compression technology. This allows 50 percent more compression capacity over an existing IP network, while providing optimal video transmission quality even in networks with limited bandwidth. The unit can act as an encoder to compress and transmit AV data over a LAN to another VS-102-HDI located in a green room or other location. The other unit can act as a decoder, which receives the compressed data through the LAN and restores the data to its original high definition state.  

Matrox Maevex 6100 Series

Matrox Maevex 6100 Series encoders and decoders deliver multiple 4K streams of high-compression, high-quality video and audio over 1GbE networks—at exceptional low latency as low as 50ms. Maevex can push many streams over the LAN, feed cloud-based servers, securely stream across the internet, and record to any location—all concurrently. Both the encoders and decoders can also composite multiple encodes or decodes for tremendous flexibility, and allow for mixed display content from multiple encoders. The included Maevex PowerStream Plus software provides a simplified operational experience, enabling control of all Maevex devices from a single application. Multiple APIs and SDKs for customization and integration are also available.

MuxLab 500467

The HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture and Streamer (500467) allows users to record from HDMI video sources to a PC over USB 3.0. The unit supports an HDMI-in port for the source and HDMI Loop Out for a monitor. The 500467 is capable of connecting to a 4K60 source and will stream at up to 1080p60 over the USB 3.0 port to a PC or similar device to record and/or send the video to a broadcasting service such as YouTube, Facebook, and other broadcasting services. The device is compatible with OBS Studio, AMCap, etc., and supports a variety of HDMI sources such as cameras, game consoles, media players, and many others. The unit supports an audio-in port for a microphone, which is automatically mixed with the HDMI audio, and an audio out port for headphones, or active speakers. 

NewTek TriCaster 2 Elite

NewTek’s TriCaster 2 Elite provides video producers, visual storytellers, and system integrators with “better-than-broadcast” functionality and uncompromised flexibility. In addition to advanced video production capabilities, TriCaster 2 Elite enables studios, broadcasters, large-scale campuses, and enterprise facilities to harness nearly every major video calling application in use today, delivering them a myriad of creative options. To further amplify the flexibility and scalability, both video over IP and more traditional SDI are supported by the platform. TriCaster 2 Elite is designed to set a new standard for production in today’s multisource world with new core functionality. Nearly every web conferencing tool is supported, as well as all IP video sources and smartphones.

tvONE CORIOmaster2

tvONE’s CORIOmaster2 is an all-in-one, multi-window video processor delivering advanced processing power. CORIOmaster2 supports more windows with higher quality with uncompromised 4K60 and 8K-ready performance.  Standout features of CORIOmaster2 include its high bandwidth, huge design canvas, and 8K ready architecture. With 752Gb/sec of bandwidth, CORIOmaster2 can simultaneously display 40 windows in 4K60 4:4:4 with ultra-low latency. It offers AV designers access to triple 64k x 64k canvasses, with up to 12.3 gigapixels of design space, enough to accommodate the most expansive creative vision. The unit is 8K ready, future-proofing tvONE customers’ investment in their video processor. 

VITEC MGW Diamond

VITEC’s MGW Diamond is an IP streaming encoder that enables 4K HEVC multi-channel HD contribution as either a portable device or openGear card. This four-channel encoder, with low latency and low bandwidth HEVC, enables reliable remote production, even over the internet. The MGW Diamond was recently deployed by a sports broadcaster to support remote commentary from multiple sources, and in different languages, to enhance live events. The broadcaster leverages the benefits of the MGW Diamond to simultaneously send a live audio-video feed to foreign commentators for audio translation that is sent back to the production studio. VITEC’s MGW Diamond solution delivers very low latency, ensuring comments can be mixed live, with as little delay as possible for the end user experience.

ZeeVee ZyPerMX2/MX4

The ZyPerMX2 and ZyperMX4 multi-source H.264 encoders support HLS, RTP, UDP, and RTMP, the most-used protocols for live streaming on sites such as Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and other popular content distribution networks. Able to stream two or four sources of multiple streaming formats simultaneously over IP networks, these encoders expand the range of devices each channel can support. This protocol support extends the ways customers can use the company’s products for streaming live content and gives them the freedom to choose the distribution method—direct or via a CDN—that suits any situation. The ZyPerMX2 and ZyPerMX4 also support AAC, a widely used and often preferred audio compression format, in addition to supporting MP2 and AC3 formats.

The State of AV over IP

Whether AV over IP, SDVoE, or another flavor, the shift to AV on the network has had a slower uptake than the industry had expected. By some accounts, not even 30 percent of businesses, organizations, government, or higher education have made a full transition.

Walk the InfoComm trade show floor (when we used to be able to do that), and you won’t find a company without a full suite of networked AV/IT solutions. Is there a disconnect, or are barriers to entry such as existing infrastructure, or major AV equipment that hasn’t reached the end of its lifecycle, and limited resources holding this back?

Or, is the that IT department still not having it because there’s not an agreed-upon standard, and interoperability between different vendors can be dicey?

We know this topic is full of strong convictions, so we asked thought leaders from several of the industry’s top AV companies to share their perspective on the state of AV over IP and provide a glimpse of their roadmap. 

AJA Video Systems: Bryce Button, Director of Product Marketing

Parallel to broadcast, the professional AV industry is experiencing a period of transition from traditional cable transport to AV over IP or hybrid workflows. While compelling AV-over-IP benefits include denser routing opportunities, remote control, and the ability to transport signals almost anywhere within a network, critical new concerns like reliability and security arise. 

AV over IP and other trends in 2020

A range of competing methodologies for optimal AV-over-IP transport also present a challenge for integrators seeking to overhaul legacy environments. In response to the continual widespread use of traditional audio and video connectivity, new technologies are being developed to bridge conventional modes of transit with AV over IP.

Adoption of NewTek’s NDI open protocol for IP production workflows has proven successful, which supports AJA’s KONA, Io, and Corvid product families. In the audio sphere, companies like Audinate have achieved success with the emergence of Dante as a leading networking system for high-density, low-latency, high-resolution audio transport. AV-over-IP benefits of simpler cabling and remote control of feeds has also spurred an uptick in IP-driven video signals fed to multichannel displays in AV environments.

While the adoption of hybrid approaches advances, and discussions on traditional SDI or HDMI cable transport versus AV over IP continues, it’s critical for AV professionals to stay informed on the latest industry protocols, including NDI, HDBaseT, SRT, and ST2110 with AV considerations in mind and consider integrating agnostic products that support a range of standards, or choose a path that best suits the choices presented by each particular project and its attendant priorities—do you need uncompressed vs. compressed video, how important is latency, is security paramount or unnecessary? During this transition, AJA will remain at the forefront of pioneering versatile production technologies that bridge traditional workflows with the latest IP protocols.

Arista Corp.: Paul Shu, President

The shift to AV on the network is, indeed, taking longer than many of us in the industry expected, and this is the result of several factors. Presently, there are numerous codecs—among them SDVoE, H.264/H.265, JPEG2000, TICO, and others. For the clients and their technical managers, this creates confusion and the prospect of choosing a codec that falls out of favor is enough to cause many people to take a wait-and-see approach.

Secondly, the cost of the products and their implementation can be another prohibitive factor. This leads to yet another concern that routinely arises: “How much better is a networked AV approach going to be than our present setup, and does this justify incurring the necessary expense?” Education is important in this regard, and presently, I believe that aspect of the overall sales process still requires fine tuning. As a result, the process of making the transition to networked AV has been slower than expected and we really cannot expect users to adapt faster than they are comfortable with.

Embracing IT innovations for AV applications

Ultimately, the process of merging one’s IT network with their AV network will prove beneficial—and more cost effective. Arista Corp. offers a full suite of networked AV solutions capable of addressing a wide range of projects. In due time, I believe the benefits of networked AV will become more apparent and the pace of the transition will accelerate.

ATEN Technology: YT Liang, Senior Product Manager

With AV over IP and HDBaseT, each has its own set of benefits/advantages depending on the application. To decide which is best, look at the main phases (design, installation, service) of your project and ask yourself these questions:

Design phase—which technology is best? What’s the project scale? If smaller (within eight sources/displays), a 1U video matrix can work. For 25 displays, AV over IP is better. What are your compression and latency considerations? If no compression is accepted (e.g. medical review), HDBaseT is recommended. If visually lossless compression is required (e.g. digital signage), AV over IP is better suited. How comfortable are you with network-based solutions? Are you up to date with the most relevant network knowledge (multi-case, IGMP, jumbo frames)? Ideally, go with a manufacturer that offers both types of solutions; they will have a technical team in place to provide recommendations and can assist with installation and support.

Installation phase—How can I reduce installation times? Easy configuration is key. Extender solutions with IDs and push buttons allow for switching without knowing the IP addresses. Additionally, extenders with built-in web servers allow configuration of all extenders at once.

Service phase—How to troubleshoot? With HDBaseT, it’s easier; but with AV over IP, data goes through the network switch, which means you’ll need help in showing the direction to do the troubleshooting. For example, ATEN has LED lights on our extenders that show if there’s a network, power, or HDMI issue.

AtlasIED: Gina Sansivero, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications

The sheer number of competing protocols is having a direct impact on the networked AV market. With so many options to explore, manufacturers often play a game of “wait and see.” They wisely watch standards shake out before committing, consequently resulting in a slower than anticipated adoption rate. At AtlasIED. we base our decisions on the deployment of networked AV solutions—not on the latest buzz and technological developments, but what our dealers tell us they need to drive business. Case in point: our IP Endpoints. To our dealers, the functionality of the AV network is more important than the technology behind the signal distribution, so we focus our energy on developing and delivering products that enhance their networked AV projects with tangible end-user benefits that are simple to configure and install. While we understand the importance of protocols, our stance has been to base our decisions both on the maturity of the technology and our dealers’ input.

Atlona: David Shamir, Director of Product Management

Although adoption rates have quite accelerated to initial industry forecasts, rates have consistently increased. The speed of that adoption varies with each quarter, but there is no doubt that the AV-over-IP transition will continue.

The majority of AV consultants, system integrators, and AV/IT administrators understand the benefits of AV over IP for the pro AV market. There are several factors that have slowed AV over IP from complete “domination” when it comes to AV distribution.

In some cases, AV over IP can be overkill based on the venue’s realistic requirements. Smaller meeting rooms and huddle spaces, for example, do not require the infinite scalability and powerful feature set of AV-over-IP solutions. Instead, they require intelligent solutions that are easy to use, and move audio and video to a limited number of destinations. A smaller matrixed solution with a dedicated set of inputs and outputs will suffice in these spaces, and require a minimal investment to get the job done.

AV-over-IP installations also require IP networking knowledge. While an increasing number of systems integrators and tech managers have acquired this knowledge, the learning curve continues for the global AV industry. Many still prefer to stick with the technology they can take full advantage of today as they continue to learn everything that AV over IP offers.

Read more about how AV and IT must collaborate for successful IP network convergence.

A price comparison between circuit-based and IP systems can be significant, and that often influences integrators to develop hybrid systems that reduce overall costs. This is often a useful approach, as AV within a meeting space can be driven through circuit-based technology and switching, while AV over IP is embraced for exporting and importing content to and from external locations.

Audinate: Brad Price, Senior Product Marketing Manager

Audinate has seen consistently rapid growth of audio over IP for 14 years, and expects that trend to continue for the foreseeable future. From our perspective, much of the growth in Dante has been a direct result of design decisions that provide extensive automation and easy-to-use toolsets that allow the widest range of people to use the product effectively.

We have seen barriers to adoption of AV over IP steadily coming down and product counts increasing. But it would be fair to say that this growth has not been evenly distributed, particularly in the area of video distribution (the V in AV). Much of the reason for that lies with our moment in time: as of 2020, 1Gbps networks are ubiquitous for reasons other than AV. In contrast, networks running 10Gbps or higher that might support large amounts of video are relatively rare and relatively expensive. The requirement for video codecs is in marked contrast to the world of audio, which requires no compression and is hence agnostic to a wide range of devices and uses.

For that reason, we elected to design our new video offering (Dante AV) to work on 1Gbps networks using compression. This allows a Dante-based video system to provide excellent quality on existing networks. We anticipate that over time, networks will become inevitably faster and video codecs will be winnowed down to the most suitable for IP transport. At that point, legacy AV technologies will take their final bow.

Advantages of a 1Gb Ethernet network backbone.

Aurora Multimedia: Paul Harris, CEO, CTO

Aurora has been solving this issue two ways. First, we created a system called Simplify, a preconfigured AV-over-IP solution. The way it works is the customer sends us the spreadsheet with the encoders’ and decoders’ location labeling and IP address. They will also send a diagram of how the network switch will be connected and which units are located on which switch. From this, we will preprogram and label all the units from our factory including the network switch, as we are a platinum distributor for Netgear (which also makes us into a one-stop-shop). When the package arrives, it is all plug and play and ready to go. This in turn speeds up the installation and assures a higher probably of success. Second, we are working on hybrid solutions combining familiar technologies like HDBaseT with SDVoE, so there is more plug and play, smaller port count switches, and less IP addresses utilized. The HT Pro Series by Aurora is the start of this new age of hybrid technologies.

When it comes to AV over IP, the main issue with transition is there was no transition. With the way the systems are designed, it is a total typology change compared to what the typical AV integrator is used to. Especially when it comes to the network switch, it can require a certain level of expertise at times and can become especially complicated when there is more than one switch or multiple IP technologies that want different methods to propagate correctly through the switch.

Barco: Christopher Klepacz, Strategic Alliance Manager, Control Rooms

At first glance, the control rooms market may appear static, but the market has continued to evolve in recent years. The increase in available data sources is one example of this evolution. As is so often the case, change is the source of innovation, and the critical control rooms market is positioned to grow. Technological change, new solutions, and the experience and expertise of market leading companies are driving the change.

Technology innovations are driving change in the growth of critical control rooms. In the pro AV segment, AV over IP is experiencing significant growth with increased video quality and bandwidth. Other enablers such as the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) offer additional data sources from sensors and other devices, providing key insights to end users. Software solutions are improving control room operator experience by improving operations and reducing stress through intuitive, ergonomic design principles. Public and private clouds are creating new economic models for hardware deployment adding flexibility and cost savings to traditional on-premise computing environments. Artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are driving business insights and visualization technologies improve awareness and understand across the enterprise. Taken together, critical control rooms are well positioned to take advantage of these and other investments being made in organizations augmenting and improving situational awareness.

Bringing all of this together requires a partner that understands how to design and implement critical control room solutions that take advantage of the available technology. It starts with an in-depth understanding of the end customer requirements, and the knowledge and experience to deliver. This often includes having the right technology alliance to bring a “whole solution” and a robust ecosystem of channel partners to deliver. This requires advanced skill sets and a knowledge base that can be leveraged globally and delivered consistently and at scale.

Biamp: Joe Andrulis, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development

For a long time, the adoption of networked AV was slowed by the natural tendency of people to stick with familiar solutions and the learning curve faced by both AV integrators and IT departments as they transitioned AV to the network. As an industry, we’ve made a lot of progress overcoming these barriers. At this point, networked AV is a comfortable option for most deployments, but networked AV isn’t always the best approach—at least not networked AV as many of us originally envisioned.

Not all AV needs to be on the corporate network. AV that is local to single rooms or other small areas is often much easier and cheaper to design and install using traditional point-to-point connections or small matrix switchers. Sometimes even these small spaces will use networked AV, as Biamp does with its TesiraCONNECT TC-5D, which simplifies conferencing installations by providing power and media over a single category cable and connects range of AVB and Dante devices, including Tesira DSPs, USB extenders, PoE+ amplifiers, and microphones. In these instances, the TesiraCONNECT TC-5D may connect in a local AV network without connecting to the corporate network, so people may not consider it as “AV over the network”—but that’s simply a deployment choice. There’s also plenty of networked AV that looks a little different than we might have originally expected. Systems like unified communications, streaming media hosts like YouTube and Vimeo, and digital signage are all non-traditional approaches to creating AV outcomes that are all network-based. Overall, the uptake of networked AV is quite healthy and growing quickly.

Black Box: Jonathan McCune, Director of Product Management, AV and Infrastructure

The matrix switch is dead—the industry has reached a tipping point where technologies like SDVoE in our MCX platform really do kill the matrix switch. SDVoE is the only technology platform that provides all of the matrix switch capabilities, like ultra-fast switch time and 4K60 video, plus advanced video processing like scaling, video walls, and multiview.

IT administrators can configure, deploy, manage, and monitor systems enterprise wide, creating predictable performance in technology-transparent environments that are fully scalable and replicable. Unlimited number of inputs and outputs means no longer limiting the total count of connected devices. For modular solutions, MCX/SDVoE is plug and play once configured, and what’s more, all SDVoE-enabled solutions auto discover for simplified setup.

Live event providers can offer zero-latency video that is fully interoperable with projectors and sources enabled with the solution and no longer need to invest in very expensive matrix switches and additional extensions for those solutions. In applications like medical, MCX/SDVoE is the perfect solution providing both video and audio as well as USB connectivity over fiber with truly best-in-class image replication.

Bose Professional: Adam Shulman, Market Category Lead, Installed Systems

The adoption of protocols like Dante vary by the application type, the level of benefits gained from using an AV-over-IP solution (versus a more traditional infrastructure), and whether it is isolated or part of a larger network. In an audio system for a live venue, it is often on its own network. Here, adopting a protocol such as Dante is beneficial as it reduces the amount of infrastructure needed to build the system while increasing reliability as well as routing flexibility. In these situations, we see the adoption of AV-over-IP accelerating as more audio teams become familiar with various protocols and the associated benefits.

An audio system found in hotel event spaces may not be on an isolated network but instead reside on the hotel or hotel chain’s network, which is managed by the in-house IT team. Most likely the network is required to support much more than just the room’s audio system. These are the types of applications that are slower to adopt AV over IP.

Our industry needs to continue to understand the IT manager’s needs and how to play by the larger IT industry’s rules. This means we need to continue to improve how AV devices impact a network’s performance and management. We need to be less AV-centric in our thinking and demonstrate increased awareness that our products are used alongside non-AV products, and thus must obey certain conventions and rules—often where audio is not the highest priority. The term “AV over IT” may be more appropriate and demonstrate that we understand that, as an AV industry, we do not always own the infrastructure we are riding on. Improving this will improve more widespread adoption of AV-over-IP technologies and their applications.

Crestron: Alex Peras, Technology Manager, DigitalMedia

In the past, AV solution providers and IT professionals have not always communicated with each other, which has been a challenge in shifting AV on the network. Understanding the application, deciding what needs to be accomplished, and delegating roles in these projects are essential to having a successful infrastructure. Crestron encourages these conversations with IT professionals and leads the market by offering education and training that helps them understand information and anticipate their questions. Crestron has trained our dealers in AV-over-IP and DigitalMedia HDBaseT courses, while continuously providing updated materials.

Crestron recognizes that AV rooms of the past are now changing to become unified communications (UC) enabled, and AV will be the piece that ties the room together. Matrix routing technologies are now AV over IP, providing solutions that are fully flexible, scalable, and manageable. Crestron ensures all devices support out-of-the-box functionality, meet the network and security requirements of IT professionals, and work on existing Cat 5e infrastructure. Crestron XiO Cloud is driving this next wave of the transition. With all devices on the network, organizations can easily monitor and manage them. In addition, AV over IP allows organizations to tie audio, video, and USB together on the network.

As trends continue around touchless and socially distanced spaces, having a flexible and scalable infrastructure will be important in accommodating an organization’s needs. Solutions like XiO Cloud give organizations more control over their devices, allowing them to view their entire ecosystem through a single interface at any time, from anywhere.

DVIGear: Matthew Pulsipher, Product Manager

The AV-over-IP market is in a state of coalescence. From the many competing platforms, a few have begun to take leadership as they mature and proliferate. Like many new things, much of the fear regarding AV-over-IP solutions is about the risk of the unknown, especially the fear of proprietary products that are “walled gardens.” No one wants to risk being an early adopter of a platform that isn’t fully mature or is at risk of being dropped by its manufacturer a few years after purchase.

As the AV market converges with the IT world, it will benefit from the more standardized approach that has enabled new platforms to gain universal acceptance for decades. In the IT world, the proliferation of interoperable standards is what drives adoption of a new technology. USB and Ethernet are excellent examples of this: if you buy a device with USB, it is a given that it will be compatible with a standard PC, regardless of the manufacturer. Further, this standards-based approach helps ensure a clear, orderly progression of the technology over time. For example, consider how USB and Ethernet have evolved over the last 20 years.

Of the AV-over-IP platforms currently available, SDVoE is the only solution to provide a completely interoperable full-stack solution. Competing platforms are either vendor-proprietary, or fail to define the entire stack, which leads to interoperability issues down the line as vendors implement their own technologies to fill the missing layers. This isn’t to say that interoperable platforms cannot foster vendor-specific innovation. Of the SDVoE solutions available, DisplayNet is by far the most dynamic, as it deeply embraces the software-defined approach of the SDVoE platform. In the five years since it was launched, DisplayNet has added a multitude of innovative features to our platform, all while maintaining full cross-vendor interoperability.

Extron: Joe da Silva, Director of Product Marketing

AV-over-IP systems are becoming more commonplace and we continue to see lots of interest in the technology from our customers. One of the challenges to the adoption of AV over IP is education. Most solutions rely on multicast streaming, which is a somewhat specialized skillset among IT professionals. We knew that education and support would be vital to the success of AV-over-IP technology, so we created a team within Extron called the Network Technology Support Group that is staffed with network engineers who are skilled in designing, deploying, and commissioning networks. This team is focused on supporting our AV-over-IP deployments to ensure the end user has the best experience possible with Extron NAV Pro AV-over-IP products.

Another aspect that is influencing the adoption of AV-over-IP technology is the debate between 1Gb and 10Gb networks. Many end users want to leverage their existing network infrastructure. This typically means deploying on a 1Gb network that is also supporting additional business-critical services. Other end users require pristine image quality and deploy a 10Gb network to minimize or eliminate compression, but this usually means standing up a separate network infrastructure. Through the use of the patented PURE3 compression technology, Extron is uniquely positioned with our NAV Pro AV-over-IP products to have the features needed for deployment on enterprise-class networks as well as solutions to deliver pixel-perfect video on discrete 10Gb networks while delivering complete interoperability between the two architectures. We look forward to what the future holds!

Hall Research: Josh Petru, Business Development Manager, Central Region

Adoption of AV over IP has been slower than initially forecasted. One likely reason may be the learning curve for a lot of AV dealers. That being said, not every application needs a large networked solution. Take the K-12 classroom or small to medium conference room as an example: the users don’t need to switch from room to room, but just within the room’s input sources themselves. So, a dedicated video switching and extension solution may be all that they need. But even in those situations, it makes sense to control and manage the AV system over the network. At Hall Research the products that we target for small venues integrate embedded Web GUI or include GUI software for configuration and control. A nice benefit of control-over-IP is that AV managers are able to assist instructors or users from outside the classroom, if required.

Education and corporate customers are also per-room price sensitive and typical AV-over-IP systems and associated network switches are costlier than point-to-point direct implementations. In the future as the price and usability improves, that may change.

For now, the best use of AV-over-IP technology is in large digital signage installations found in hotels or other hospitality venues. AV-over-IP systems also work well in municipalities or courtrooms.

The network is the future of AV and as manufacturers start bridging the gap between the learning curve, ease of install, and system control, we expect the adoption rate for AV-over-IP within the pro AV channel to accelerate.

HDBaseT Alliance: Gabi Shriki, Senior Vice President, Audio-Video, Valens

While AV over IP marketing is in full swing, the technology has not gained much traction so far and we don’t see AV over IP getting considerable traction even over the next five years. There are several key reasons for that.

One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of a single, unified standardized technology. AV over IP is implemented differently depending on the CODEC technology (H.264, H.265, JPEG2000, VC-2, proprietary, etc.), and the actual IP network bandwidth available (100Mbps/1Gbps or 10Gbps).

AV over IP is not solving the small-scale and point-to-point use cases as well as alternative technologies such as HDBaseT in terms of cost, power consumption, video quality, latency, etc.

The wide-distribution, multiuser AV distribution is often solved using WAN-based technologies, such as cloud collaboration systems, making the need for high quality AV-over-IP solutions limited to specific use cases.

It is important to understand what the customer problem is that we are trying to solve. Different technologies bring different benefits/values—there is no single technology that solves all customer issues. Often, combining several technologies brings about the best results. HDBaseT and HDMI are and will remain the main technology used in small-scale installations, as they deliver uncompressed distribution, lower cost, and simplicity. (In fact, the trend toward smaller meeting rooms is going to further limit the deployment of AV-over-IP solutions in the corporate market.) AV over IP will be used for very large-scale networks or to interconnect between “HDBaseT rooms.”

When considering AV over IP, integrators must understand customer requirements, IP network limitations, specific use cases the customer is aiming to solve with AV over IP, etc. For example, when considering a campus-level distribution or in-between-cities distribution, an H.264/H.265 solution is suitable. It will be impossible to use SDVoE-like technology (as the requirement for 10Gbps network is impractical in this case) and even the typical 1Gbps-based AV-over-IP solution with JPEG2000 like CODEC consumes 70-80 percent of the bandwidth for one AV stream.

Just Add Power: Taft Stricklin, CEO and Founder

From our perspective, the state of AV over IP is quite strong. There are a lot of other companies in the space now, but we’ve been leading the way for 11 years. We’ve distinguished ourselves from the crowd by listening to our dealers and introducing new features and hardware based on their needs. So that puts us ahead of the curve and we’re doing things others aren’t, like adding compatibility with Dante and AES67 audio networks. We can also beat other manufacturers on price. For example, our Warp Engine isn’t the only product on the market that allows installers to rotate HDMI, but you won’t find a more cost-effective one. We’re also well known for building robust products that last for decades. So instead of constantly creating new products that will be obsolete in a year, we give new features through firmware updates. Furthermore, all models in the Just Add Power lineup integrate seamlessly with any generation of our products. What this all means is that we aren’t seeing any barriers at all to entry. Year after year, all we see is a steady uptick in the adoption of AV over IP across all markets—from retail and hospitality to entertainment complexes and airports.

Kramer: Chris Kopin, Executive Vice President of Technology

People are slow to change. At Kramer, however, we know that AV over IP has the staying power and versatility to win people over—as long as everyone is willing to participate.

When considering a transition to AV over IP, it’s not just a matter of training the person who creates the drawing; it’s the engineer, it’s the installer, it’s the end user. Controlling AV over IP from a control system is not the same as controlling the network switch as you would in a matrix environment.

As a whole-solutions manufacturer, Kramer can facilitate standard AV over IP, but it can also create a hybrid system which may employ HDBaseT in a room, and then an encoder will grab a piece of the signal and send it to another room for distance or time-delay learning. When all invested parties are on the same page, AV over IP is far from a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead a flexible and invaluable tool for keeping organizations connected in a world where we are increasingly encouraged to stay distanced.

When it comes to 1Gb and 10Gb, companies are usually in one camp or the other, but Kramer is in both. We have a couple of SDVoE installations, but 1Gb is where we are selling.

We’re a whole solutions manufacturer, so we don’t have just one piece of the puzzle. We don’t have to be just AV over IP and we don’t have to be traditional; we can be one or the other or give you a hybrid.

Matrox: Sam Recine, Vice President of Sales, Americas and Asia Pacific, AV/IT Group

When you look at HDMI, a product from vendor one works with a different product from vendor two. Perhaps there are exceptions with versioning, but, by and large, there is a published standard that multiple vendors put into products that do many different things.

Right now, the benefits of AV over IP are so strong, that already 30 percent of the market is willing to bite the bullet even if they have to stuff everything from a single vendor into their infrastructure.

Customers are tapping into longer distances, more nodes on managed infrastructure, better asset management, and new applications of converged data, live multi-party communications, and performance audio-visual content of a common media.

It is normal that organizations that can afford to hold back for more open and more interoperable stuff are going to delay while they can. Meanwhile, they are putting extreme pressure on prices for baseband stuff they know they intend to replace shortly. And they are buying their first round of AV-over-IP products for real immediate needs, not adding the next 10 years’ worth of capacity, because they know there is a fair to good chance they will see next-generation AV-over-IP products that are less invasive and far, far less proprietary.

AV over IP will see two more stages in the very near term that will add significant flexibility to end users and systems integrators: hardware and software products based on open standards that work across different brands and different product types, and a new software economy for AV-over-IP software applications that strictly focus on adding value to existing hardware from many disparate brands in the market and improve features such as setup, live operation, security, and far richer ecosystem capabilities.

Meyer Sound: Richard Bugg, Digital Products Solutions Architect Pro AV Segment Chair, Avnu Alliance

We at Meyer Sound believe that there is a significant advantage to delivering audio and control over standard network infrastructures. Audiences are expecting more from their AV experiences and while AV over IP has been possible for a long time by the technically astute, today’s industry needs to focus on delivering a solution that is easy to use, scalable, and can adapt to future needs.

Connecting computers used to require proprietary solutions from each manufacturer. This was an impediment to innovation that was removed by the development of a common network standard. It was with the realization that an open Ethernet standard for a high-quality, high-reliability, and low-latency transport protocol for moving media and control would similarly benefit everyone connecting professional AV equipment that resulted in the formation of the Avnu Alliance to promote the use of the IEEE AVB/TSN standards. Further work was done by a group of professional AV equipment manufactures within Avnu to further optimize AVB for interoperability between pro AV devices. The result was “Milan.”

Milan was created to provide a deterministic network protocol for professional quality media transport that is easy to use, future proof, scalable, and capable of delivering a convergence between audio, video, control, and non-time sensitive data on one network.

Avnu Alliance certification guarantees any certified device will interoperate with all other Milan devices. Interoperability is assured. Milan devices will work together at new levels of convenience, reliability, and functionality. The network transportation of audio and control should not be a bottleneck to innovation; it should just work.

MuxLab: Peter Justiz, Canadian Sales Manager

AV over IP was designed as a flexible, expandable, and inexpensive solution to provide data connectivity through an ethernet LAN network (1Gb version) with the use of encoders (transmitters) and decoders (receivers). However, the market has become so crowded with many AV manufacturers having families of products to complement different formats—Motion JPEG, JPEG 2000, H.264/H.265, etc. What are the right manufacturers, products, and formats to choose from?

With AV-over-IP equipment in the pro AV 1Gb space, there are limited equipment standards in that you can’t mix and match encoder, decoder, and controller products from the different manufacturers to gain maximum results. Some compatibility exists with H.264/H.265 encoders and decoders, but again, not with the controllers to manage these devices. With the SDVoE Alliance standard, the encoders and decoders designed by different manufacturers can be mixed and matched. Also, in the broadcast industry, AV-over-IP encoders and decoders follow a well-documented ST-2110 standard, which supports interoperability and other enhanced features. However, the LAN switches required for SDVoE and ST-2110 based products are 10Gb, which adds significant costs to the infrastructure. Also, PoE (power over Ethernet) ability is negated versus a 1Gb structure due to the system design.

With the current work- and learn-from-home environment, two key elements have captured the AV segment: videoconferencing and live streaming. Live streaming possesses a clear advantage in reaching more people at once. It enables you to reach hundreds, thousands, or more potential recipients quickly with just a few clicks. AV-over-IP becomes an inexpensive proposition for this. Houses of worship are now utilizing this concept to live stream services over YouTube and Facebook in lieu of social/physical distancing.

Business has now changed since March 2020. MuxLab and others in the AV segment are adapting and innovating to remain at the forefront in the new current format. AV-over-IP will be a proponent for inexpensive change and information sharing.

NewTek: Will Waters, Head of Global Product Management

When AV over IP was introduced, it was quickly seen that connecting devices more easily would enhance and expand capability and accelerate efficiency. Efficiency alone, however, cannot move an industry. Even as we promoted the benefits of infinite connections, the adoption seemed a bit slow. At least until the onset of global forces—such as a pandemic.

What is most familiar to us is always easier to continue with than wholesale change, even if the benefits are staring us in the face. The move to IP must be more than changing the type of wire. It may be that the signals flow across networks using packets instead of dedicated cabling, but many AV systems still require dedicated chipset and proprietary hardware devices to sit at the edges of networks. This slows adoption because, fundamentally, workflows and use cases are similar to what has been familiar.

At NewTek, we see this very differently. The AV world is ready for those edge devices to move to software. That software runs on commoditized hardware that is easy to maintain and not dependent on formats, frame rates, and circuits designed for a single purpose. We believe in this so strongly that we developed a free protocol called NDI to realize that future.

The next phase will see integrated software products that take advantage of bi-directional communication on a network, enhance presentations, improve communication, and expand creativity, all while being transparent. This is what is required to deliver on the promise of AV over IP.

Opticis USA: David Delgado, Senior Manager, Business Development

AV integration has taken many paths, at least for me in the last 15 years. From 78-inch-high rack stands requiring their own enclosed rooms to racks fitting in a closet drawer. From fixed to configurable card-slot matrix switchers to the favored, higher bandwidth IP switchers, and with the coined phrase in our time, we are in a “Warped Speed” transformation era.

For some customers today, the cumbersome addition of shoe-size encoders and decoders to an IP solution may not be worth the investment. If their existing AV system can be retrofitted to support 4K today, they will wait for the next rollout of 8K displays with IP systems along with sources having built-in encoders and destinations with built-in decoders.

Limitations with IP systems still exist, specifically with 10Gb bandwidth transmission. True 4K resolution at 60Hz 4:4:4 sampling rate requires at least 18Gb. The trend will be, for example, in mission-critical visualization applications such as neurosurgery with its 4K/3D microscopes, to transmit true 4K detailed clinical images. Also diagnosing cancer through remote collaboration between the surgeon and pathologist will mandate precise, accurate visualization.

Scrupulous cybersecurity protocols and standards have also softened the market growth with AV over IP when you compound wireless video transmission functionality.

Before AV over IP proliferates in the market, there are expectations for pricing to fall as well. Notwithstanding, fiber optic extenders will continue to be integrated with the AV-over-IP system, especially between source and encoder or between decoder and destination over long distances. Whether they are HDMI, DP 1.2, HD-SDI, or DVI, these video and data transmission over fiber components deliver uncompressed images with no latency, immunity to EMI, and long distances up to 100 meters.

The future is bright with lightning speed technologies like DP 2.0 at 77.4 Gbps from the fiber optic and IP world. We can also expect exciting times ahead in visualization, remote collaboration, and endless connectivity.

Renkus-Heinz: Matt Czyzewski, President

The consensus at Renkus-Heinz is that the adoption of AV over IP has been a bit slower than expected. However, that statement comes with a caveat: in the past two years, we’ve seen a substantial uptick in the number of networked products sold.

It’s our belief we have now hit the inflection point for adoption of AV over IP, where the majority of new installs are seeing AV over IP as the norm, not the exception. Thus, the growth being discussed in the space is well placed—and that is why you’ll see manufacturers ensuring they offer that full suite of networked solutions.

With that said, because we recognize the curve is still trending upward—and not at 100 percent adoption—the Renkus-Heinz roadmap is to ensure we continue to offer solutions for both types of installations—analog and networked. We will do that in a way that doesn’t require completely altering the product. Most of our new offerings in the near future will be introduced as twins—not identical, but similar enough that they provide the same ability to place sound exactly where you want it, no matter of the connection you choose to use.

What will drive adoption during the years to come will be the ability to offer easier integrations in AV-over-IP environments. That’s why we’re focusing on supporting technologies that make design, installation, setup, and support of AV-over-IP systems as frictionless as possible. And when we make life easier for the integrator, the results are improved for everyone in the AV world!

RGB Spectrum: Andy Thompson, Vice President Marketing

AV-over-IP market adoption initially ramped up slowly, but is now accelerating as infrastructure, education, and product ease of use catch up with traditional baseband video.

While AV over IP brings many benefits, it requires new expertise in IP networking for integrators and site administrators, and a willingness to build out networks to support these products. AV over IP is ideal for new sites or expanding video distribution capabilities across the enterprise. It’s harder to sell into sites that already have baseband infrastructure or aren’t growing. For administrators and users, AV-over-IP systems are becoming easier to use, as limited control interfaces are replaced by drag-and-drop GUIs that provide flexible content distribution, remote monitoring, user access controls, and much more.

RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV-over-IP platform builds on our 30-plus years of experience to deliver an enterprise-level solution, using open standards to efficiently deliver video over gigabit LANs, global WANs, and mobile devices. It includes an extensive array of AV-over-IP devices including encoders, decoders, multiviewers, and video wall processors. Zio supports H.264/265 signals from third-party IP cameras and other sources distributed across the enterprise. An intuitive browser-based user interface features live video thumbnails and drag-and-drop simplicity, with no software installation. A smartphone app supports content distribution to a mobile workforce.

Establishing new workflows enabled by AV over IP requires more than just technology. Education and changes to operations take time. As governments and enterprises shift to distributed workflows, AV over IP will grow increasingly important. With these activities firmly underway, enterprise AV-over-IP adoption is picking up speed and will continue.

SAVI Controls: John Dorsey, CEO

Today, more than ever, businesses rely on audio-video experiences to communicate, sell, market, entertain, educate, train, and support their customers and differentiate their customer experience. As more of the economy reopens and offices, campuses, entertainment venues and other businesses rebuild, companies must rethink their AV/IT needs.

Traditionally, the pro AV industry has been challenged with complex networking and a lack of device compatibility, as well as an overabundance of cords, boxes, and connectors to bring the entire experience together—offering installers a fragmented ecosystem that increases install complexity and cost, and can take weeks or months to program. In a post-COVID world, functionality such as displays, control, security, and signage are drastically changing and must get less expensive, simpler to program, and easier to use. It is even more critical that the integrator community has access to solutions that reduce the time and expenses spent on a project, particularly as customer needs shift as businesses rebuild. AV systems, especially control, must be designed around the network, rather than shackled to antiquated technology platforms. At SAVI, this is top of mind for us. We’re hard at work getting ready to unveil something that will disrupt this old-school cycle to streamline and simplify AV/IT control in an installation.

SDVoE Alliance: Justin Kennington, President

It’s true—we are not yet living in an “all-IP world.” I admit that I myself have even been caught by surprise that the tipping point hasn’t quite arrived. Or has it? You never quite know until you have the benefit of hindsight. I’ve come to realize that the holdup is, ironically, the IT department. You see, the AV industry has forever been a place where standards don’t exist—where manufacturers building walled gardens is the norm. This is definitely not how the IT department likes to do business. Can you imagine trying to sell Dell laptops to an IT director, and explaining that he will have to throw out his fleet of HP laptops, because emails won’t work between Dell and HP? Of course not! It’s a ridiculous thought, and yet it’s how AV sales work every day. Is it any wonder that we aren’t succeeding when the IT department drives purchasing decisions?

The SDVoE Alliance is attacking this problem at its source, by offering the only interoperable standard for AV over IP. Today the Alliance comprises more than 50 member companies shipping over 200 products, all of which are full interoperable with one another, to deliver matrix-switch performance over off-the-shelf, low-cost Ethernet networks.

Sennheiser: Kai Tossing, Head of Product Management, Business Communication

We have seen the rise of AV-over-IP solutions over time. There were times when the amount of AV-over-IP technologies and incompatibilities rather confused customers to choose the “right” one. Now, the situation is much clearer. In the area of higher education or corporate, we see Dante and AES67 being the de facto standards offered in all current products.

But AV over IP is just one aspect of modern system design; it is also about remote monitoring and control of devices. A networked device is available anywhere on the network providing audio signal, data insights, and remote control.

The pace of adopting the benefits of AV over IP is dependent on pain of installation and maintenance, budget, and skillset. The bigger the installation, the larger the pain installing and maintaining hundreds of devices and their connectivity; hence, the more it makes sense to have connected devices that you can centrally monitor and control. In small installations there may not be a need for interconnectivity and central management, so classic analog AV may still be fine or good enough.

We see new installations going straight into digital networked designs embracing AV over IP. Retrofit projects and projects limited in budget still can benefit from analog connections. That’s why the latest Sennheiser solutions like TeamConnect Ceiling 2, our most advanced dynamic beamforming ceiling microphone, and SpeechLine Digital Wireless, our dedicated-to-speech wireless microphone family, come with all options: dual-Dante connectivity, AES67, and support of latest IT standards such as IEEE802.1x, but also analog connections for seamless integration and to support every system design. 

Shure: Chris Lyons, Senior Manager, Integrated Systems Global Marketing

AV-over-IP is a growing trend in the industry and Shure continues to evolve with the needs of the market. In fact, Shure just globally launched IntelliMix Room—the first audio processing software for Windows 10 PCs that is fully optimized for use with Shure networked system microphones.

Shure’s customers seem ready to embrace the benefits of networked AV: reduced costs, easier deployment, and remote management. In smaller rooms especially, a networked microphone and software-based DSP minimizes the footprint required, making premium AV conferencing a practical alternative to a basic speakerphone or soundbar.

The transition to AV networking isn’t being driven by one type of product as much as by the fact that all of the different pieces of the audio ecosystem are now talking to each other. It is much faster to configure a new installation (with software like Shure Designer) and to “copy and paste” that setup to additional rooms. Networked audio components also can be checked and managed remotely (with SystemOn software).

The audio ecosystem approach allows systems integrators to install more rooms more easily, more consistently, and more cost-effectively than traditional solutions. And it’s not just for small rooms; with up to 16 channels of comprehensive audio processing, IntelliMix Room can handle applications like training rooms and lecture halls.

The move to AV over IP is gaining traction quickly because the benefits are attractive for both the integrator and the AV/IT manager. Shure is prepared to make this transition as effortless as possible.

Vaddio: Paul Cords, Director of Product Management and Sales

We’ve all heard the term “analog sunset,” or the gradual obsolescence of analog high-definition devices. But remember that that sun didn’t set overnight! In many ways, the adoption of AV over IP is following a similar arc. Adoption is slowed by many factors, including the alphabet soup of proprietary formats like NDI, Dante, AVB, and our EasyIP along with standards like SMPTE 2110, SDVoE, PoE, Telnet, and H.264. It doesn’t all quite “just work” as one big happy family of interchangeable devices.

Surely there are compelling reasons to make the leap to AV over IP. The ease and speed of installing systems that use a single Cat-6 cable is convenient. Flexibility in design, for example, in multi-purpose or combine-divide rooms, can be a big advantage. And let’s not forget the ability to use existing infrastructure for transport.

Vaddio continues to embrace the shift to AV over IP with our EasyIP professional AV ecosystem and Dante-enabled products. We are helping customers reap the benefits of this “AV-over-IP sunrise” by investing in educational materials on networking best practices and teaching sessions on configuring our Luxul network switches. It is no longer just about the AV endpoints like cameras and microphones, it is about setting up networked systems that pass the IT department’s security requirements. The reality is that we no longer live in our known pro AV bubble, but rather are equipping our dealers and integrators with tools to successfully win opportunities in the IT world’s domain (pun intended).

WolfVision: Michael Lisi, National Distribution Manager

To create an IP video matrix, installers simply connect Cynap-powered workstations to a local area network and then use an intuitive drag-and-drop interface to create a visual floorplan of the meeting space. Within minutes, users can begin routing signals between workstations simply by connecting the dots on the newly created digital floorplan. Multi-day implementations are now taking only hours and projects are being completed for a small fraction of what they once cost.

Our experience is that the commercial AV industry is embracing and swiftly adopting networking technology as a standard part of system design. However, it could be that some integrators are reluctant to deploy network-based solutions, perhaps because they aren’t confident in their ability to set up, configure, and manage IT networks, or they haven’t invested the time to learn the intricacies of a certain vendor’s solution. vSolution Matrix is unique in that it doesn’t require network expertise or custom programming to set up and configure. This makes it easy for integrators to use vSolution Matrix to leverage IP-based video distribution and compete successfully on larger projects.

When considering cost and ease of installation, WolfVision’s vSolution Matrix solution is a game changer because it eliminates the need to purchase and install matrix switchers, signal extenders, encoders, and decoders. It also uses standard, cost-effective network infrastructure to operate and eliminates the need for custom programming and third-party control systems. All of this makes it surprisingly simple to set up and manage. The end-user experience provided also hails a dramatic change for the industry by forsaking traditional control panel design to deliver an intuitive new drag-and-drop control experience that works on any browser-enabled device or touchscreen.

Yamaha Unified Communications: Holger Stoltze, Senior Director of Technical Sales and Marketing

Yamaha’s products have successfully supported AV-over-IP for years. We have observed strong use cases in events and corporate settings. Event usage is driven by the need to simplify complicated setups and reduce the time spent setting up equipment. Simple setup is also a prevalent requirement in corporate environments. However, the adoption of AV over IP in that vertical has been held back by the limited availability of components that support AV over IP, integrate easily, and are priced reasonably. This is now changing.

We will see greater adoption of corporate AV-over-IP implementations with the development of easy-to-install, fully integrated solutions. These plug-and-play solutions rely on IP networking instead of AV-specific wiring, which allows IT departments to help in the installation and management of AV solutions. AV over IP is a necessary prerequisite for this step.

For the time being, these AV-over-IP solutions will remain standalone for two reasons: One, closed solutions remain easier and faster to implement because they don’t necessitate an AV design that fits them into a complete system. Second, IT departments at this time do not allow sources creating an unknown amount of highly rated QoS data onto their network until they clearly understand and have proof of the impact that each device has on other services.

As Yamaha moves ahead, all integrated audio devices under development will support AV over IP.

ZeeVee: Bob Michaels, CEO

There are several factors holding AV over IP back from wider implementation, particularly in the U.S. For one, there is still a need for greater levels of education on this technology on the part of both integrators and end users. Integrators that are unable to provide factual answers—particularly to knowledgeable and experienced IT professionals confronted with a proposed AV-over-IP system—may face fierce resistance to putting AV on a customer’s network. In addition, integrators who have not approached networked AV with an open mind to see the obvious benefits may decide the traditional matrix system model is not broken, so why fix it?

We are big boosters of supporting the channel through education. We have started a dual-tracking webinar series with SIGNAL Sessions that explore best practices for AV distribution in key market segments (such as enterprise, higher education, hospitality, etc.) and Certified Solution Partner Trainings that dig deep into SDVoE and AV over IP and award participants with AVIXA CTS credits. In addition, we are a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance and support the organization’s SDVoE Academy, its training and education programs.

We believe that once the benefits are better understood, the prospect of transitioning from traditional matrix systems to networked AV will be normally aspired to, rather than feared.

Zigen: Ed Dellalyan, President & Lead Engineer

The industry has been slow to move to the SDVoE 10Gb network while it has adapted to installing the 1Gb AV-over-IP solutions quite well. There are several reasons for this. The main reason is lack of understanding about bandwidth requirements, compression, and their effects on installations. The industry has done a great job marketing 4K solutions and content, but has failed to educate about what is necessary to pass through true 4K60 4:4:4 content from source to display.

Traditional 1Gb solutions add roughly 64:1 compression, and that makes high-bandwidth 4K60 4:4:4 content look like 4K30 4:2:0 at best. This compression creates artifacts, granularity, and limits feature sets like HDR. Therefore, when an integrator mistakenly thinks 1Gb solutions have enough bandwidth to pass through true 4K60 4:4:4 content and that the content that is passed through is “good enough,” why would they push their clients to the more expensive 10Gb solutions? We haven’t done our job as an industry to educate about the feature sets of 10Gb (SDVoE) solutions. 10Gb solutions have the bandwidth for true 4K, instant switching, virtually zero latency, tiling, and flexibility to grow the ecosystem over time, and won’t be antiquated anytime soon. The higher cost is balanced out as updating and adding on to the system in the future will cost significantly less than having to install an entire new ecosystem.

The latest AV-over-IP products

Adder ADDERLink XDIP

Well suited for small to medium businesses looking to remotely manage and multicast critical computers or a video distribution network, the ADDERLink XDIP is a high-performance IP KVM matrix and point-to-point extender designed to bridge the gap between KVM and AVoIP. The XDIP delivers the advantages of enterprise-grade IP KVM without the unnecessary complexity and cost. Recent enhancements to the XDIP platform comprise of an expansion for the receiver to access 16 sources and the transmitter to broadcast to 256 receivers, the introduction of secure remote control via a RESTful API or web browser, and support for power over Ethernet (PoE) in the United States.

AJA Io IP

Transition to AV-over-IP with the AJA Io IP, a portable Thunderbolt 3-enabled ingest and playback device for professional video and audio over IP. Io IP supports HD and UltraHD SMPTE ST 2110 and SMPTE 2022-6/7 uncompressed video IP standards with redundant signal reliability, enabling users to bridge 10 GigE to the most popular NLE, and live production software applications. Io IP offers flexible monitoring, allowing users to edit, playback, and deliver remotely from virtually anywhere within a network. Flexible architecture ensures that as IP protocols advance, workflows are future-proofed for compatibility with the latest IP standards via firmware updates.

Arista RS-124-31 Series

With six models—the RS-124-A31-TX01, RS-124-A31-TX02, RS-124-A31-RX01, RS-124-B31-TX01, RS-124-B31-TX02, and RS-124-B31-RX01—Arista’s IP Flash Caster family changes the dynamics of the pro AV industry by letting installers and system integrators replace proprietary AV matrix switches with off-the-shelf Ethernet switches that deliver higher performance, flexibility, and scalability. Arista’s RS-124 Series is a 1U rack-mount AV-over-IP product that can be configured with either dual SDVoE encoders/decoders with copper or fiber interface and a variety of different video signal format inputs and outputs. The IP Flash Caster RS-124 Series provides numerous configurations and functionalities to meet changing pro AV requirements.

AtlasIED IPX

The IPX networked mass communications platform expands existing VoIP or SIP communications systems by enabling the integration of IP endpoints, such as speakers, paging stations, and digital displays. Adding these devices to the IPX network improves the effectiveness and coverage of messaging for routine, daily use and emergency situations.

ATEN VE66DTH

Delivering uncompressed, close-to-zero-latency digital audio signals across a standard IP network, ATEN’s VE66DTH is a Dante-enabled six-input/six-output audio interface with HDMI. Audio inputs can support line input and dynamic and condenser microphones. With built-in PoE, the VE66DTH can be powered through Ethernet cable. It provides flexible audio capabilities with de-embedding and embedding and can de-embed and embed audio signals to HDMI. The VE66DTH is tailor-made for a wide range of environments that require implantation of Dante-based professional audio devices for extended and flexible networked AV applications.

NewTek TriCaster Mini 4K

The TriCaster Mini 4K is a complete, compact live multicamera video production system that comes with features like Live Story Creator and LivePanel, designed to make the production of network-quality shows even easier for lone producers or small teams—whether they are beginners or seasoned video professionals. By utilizing the free-to-use NDI network protocol, the ability to send AV signals over standard 1Gb networks empowers creators to turn any spare room or office—or, perhaps, living room, garage, or basement—into a professional studio reflecting the identity or brand of any business, house of worship, school, or agency.

Atlona AT-OMNI-112

Atlona’s AT-OMNI-112 (OmniStream 112) is a single-channel networked encoder within the OmniStream Pro AV over IP family. OmniStream 112 processes two channels of encoding in a single, half-width rack enclosure, offering cost-efficient, high-density integration. Operational benefits include enterprise-level/campus-wide scalability, built-in security and network error resilience, and broadcast-quality 4K performance with visually lossless compression. OmniStream 112 also maximizes uptime with automatic failover and recovery when deployed in redundant configurations, and in alignment with IT systems and best practices.

Zigen IP-Logic

IP-Logic is Zigen’s premier AV-over-IP product to extend, distribute, and convert 4K video in a scalable platform for deploying an almost unlimited number of HDMI sources and displays. Utilizing 10GBase-T networks, IP-Logic will stream any HDMI source to any display with no compression (or visually lossless 1:4 compression of 4K60 4:4:4/4:2:2 HDR) and virtually zero latency. The Encoder and Decoder units come equipped with autonomous EDID management and independent scalers to allow seamless video distribution in mixed-display environments. Employing the latest SDVoE and AES67 standards, IP-Logic is well suited for commercial, residential, broadcast, military, and government applications.

Black Box MCX

The new Black Box MCX multimedia distribution and management system takes advantage of SDVoE and modern 10GbE infrastructure to allow AV and data payloads to exist on the same IT networks. Through advanced chipset technology, common control APIs, and interoperability, SDVoE technology ensures zero latency and uncompromised video while offering significant cost savings along with enhanced system flexibility and scalability. While enabling truly converged network AV, Black Box MCX ensures almost zero latency, instantaneous switching, bandwidth efficiency, and high-quality video and audio. MCX simplifies and accelerates the process of consolidating AV and data on a single network, enabling organizations in virtually any industry to reduce network management time and costs, as well as total cost of ownership. Users can take advantage of the software-defined solution to deliver better-quality audio and video, which can translate to greater customer satisfaction and faster time to revenue.

Biamp Tesira

Tesira is the world’s only integrated, networked audio and video processing and distribution platform, according to the company. Sophisticated, adaptive DSP is the core of what Biamp does and what Tesira delivers. Tesira SERVER and SERVER-IO are configurable I/O DSPs, while TesiraFORTÉ devices are fixed I/O DSPs available in different models optimized for specific applications. Rounding out Tesira DSPs are the TesiraLUX video encoders and decoders. All Tesira products can be configured and managed using Tesira software, helping to create dynamic, efficient AV systems.

Audinate Dante AV

Dante AV is a solution for manufacturers that allows any 1Gb codec to be used to send and receive video and eight channels of Dante audio over a standard network. It employs the same well-known control software and tools as Dante audio. Dante AV consists of a hardware module that handles networking aspects of a product, while the included Dante AV Product Design Suite provides a complete hardware and software design for implementation of Rx and Tx products using the included JPEG2000 codec, optimized for low latency and high fidelity. Dante AV allows manufacturers to jump into the AV-over-IP space with confidence in performance and user acceptance.

Bose ControlSpace EX

Bose ControlSpace EX is a family of digital signal processors with an open-architecture, single-rack-unit design with analog I/O, Bose AmpLink outputs (for use with Bose amplifiers), and up to 64x64 channels of Dante I/O. ControlSpace Designer software simplifies the setup process with drag-and-drop programming. ControlSpace EX has the features to support installed systems of various sizes and the flexibility to meet future needs, and with new Dante Domain Manager compatibility it increases the IT team’s ability to manage Dante-enabled devices. The EX-1280C, EX-12AEC, and EX-40C variants are also available for conferencing applications, adding acoustic echo cancellers (AEC), VoIP, and PSTN support.

ClearOne VIEW Pro

VIEW Pro is a professional multimedia streaming solution for existing IP networks, with ultra-high-quality 4:4:4 (4K30) and 4:2:0 color space, and 24 bits per pixel. The system supports high resolution—4K SKUs support up to 4K60 DCI (Digital Cinema Initiatives) and 4K60 UHDTV (Ultra High Definition TV). It is a highly efficient codec with lossless compression and ultra-low bandwidth, and has low glass-to-glass latency for 1080p streams, typically below 60ms. VIEW Pro supports RTSP/UDP standard transport protocols for compatibility with third-party products such as cameras, PCs, and more.

Meyer Sound Galileo GALAXY

Among the first products to receive Milan certification is Meyer Sound’s Galileo GALAXY Network Platform, including GALAXY 816, GALAXY 816-AES3, and GALAXY 408. Milan certification ensures that Galileo GALAXY processors will offer seamless interoperability with all other Milan-certified devices in the signal chain, regardless of function or manufacturer. GALAXY can connect to other GALAXY processors and can also serve as a master FOH processor by connecting to third-party, Milan-certified array processors or processor-amplifiers, either directly or through a certified network bridge. GALAXY also can connect via Milan to a certified mixing console without the need for its own network switch.

HDBaseT Spec 3.0

HDBaseT Spec 3.0 is the only solution that enables uncompressed, long-distance distribution of HDMI 2.0 (4K60 4:4:4), for superior quality and zero latency, according to Valens, creators of the technology standard. Valens’ Stello family of chipsets is the basis of Spec 3.0, including integrated on-chip features and HDBaseT port duality, enabling the same chipset configuration as either transmitter or receiver for significant cost reduction. It also enables convergence of several native interfaces over the same HDBaseT link, simplifying installations, and guaranteeing interoperability and full backward compatibility with previous HDBaseT specs.

d&b audiotechnik Milan DS20

The DS20 is d&b audiotechnik’s first product offering for connecting its loudspeaker systems to the open-standards-based Milan protocol. The Milan is a deterministic network that inherits all the technical benefits of Audio Video Bridging (AVB) technology: improved reliability, optimum synchronization, and hassle-free network setup. Integrating seamlessly as part of a d&b system, the DS20 Audio network bridge interfaces between Milan networks and AES3 digital audio signals, while also providing distribution of Ethernet control data.

Panasonic KAIROS

KAIROS, Panasonic’s new IT/IP video processing platform, offers an open architecture system for live video switching with maximum CPU/GPU processor utilization for virtually unlimited ME scalability, resolution, and format independence.As a native IP, ST 2110 system, KAIROS supports transitions to live, uncompressed IP workflows and can eliminate the constraints of dedicated hardware. KAIROS creates new production opportunities involving a mosaic of IT ecosystems with a variety of COTS components from vendors in multiple industries.

Matrox Maevex

The Matrox Maevex family of encoders and decoders deliver AV infrastructure over IP capabilities that balance security, latency optimization, features, quality, open standards, and bitrate management for low invasiveness on existing capacity. When using Maevex encoders to Maevex decoders, the included Maevex PowerStream Plus software provides an out-of-the-box experience. But Matrox believes that AV-over-IP products need to be good citizens on networks of interoperable products. This is why, in addition to the supplied software, Matrox provides different APIs and developer tools to allow for integration with third-party hardware and software. This interoperability is not limited to the command and signal management. Even the high-performance content payloads can work with third-party products. For even deeper developers, Matrox also provides tools to personalize user experiences and create workflows that best serve customers.

RGB Spectrum W4000

The W4000 video wall processor is the latest addition to RGB Spectrum’s Zio AV-over-IP platform, a suite of hardware and software products optimized for enterprise-class video distribution. Enterprise AV-over-IP accelerates collaboration by sharing information-rich visual displays across the enterprise and between organizations. Zio distributes video from baseband and IP sources across LANs, WANs, and to mobile devices. Integration with Zio enables the W4000 and other video sources across the enterprise to be managed through a browser-based interface. The W4000 is the first full-function video wall processor fully integrated with an enterprise class AV-over-IP platform.

Kramer KDS-6 Series

Part of the Kramer AV-over-IP family of solutions, the Kramer KDS-6 Series are scalable, cost-effective, end-to-end AV-over-IP solutions designed for IT. Users can build any size AV distribution system on their existing IP network with Kramer KDS-6 encoders and decoders (including built-in scaling and control signaling with RS-232, IR, and USB), and manage it all from Kramer Network, Kramer’s enterprise management platform. Regardless of latency, resolution, or compression requirements, the Kramer AV-over-IP lineup of devices pairs value and versatility with uncompromising quality.

Opticis IPVDS-700-ED

The Opticis IPVDS-700-ED is a 4K HDMI IP Video Wall Control solution for playing multiple sources of audio-video on a video wall and other displays simultaneously. It also splits a high-quality video into multiple videos and plays it on the video wall and other displays. IPVDS-700-ED provides the optimal solution for large video wall systems in control rooms, security, and traffic control; it can be also be used in general fields like conference, education, or presentation rooms. The PC program can be used for host allocation and previewing, equipped with drag-and-drop operation with simple mouse use. Users can easily merge, split, overlay, and clear for host allocation.

Extron NAV

NAV is an AV-over-IP solution for distribution and switching of ultra-low latency, high-quality video, audio, and USB 2.0 signals over an Ethernet network at low bitrates. Utilizing Extron’s patented PURE3 codec, it delivers high performance with real-time, lossless video over IP at resolutions up to 4K60 with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and ultra-low latency. The NAV Series can be deployed as an IP-based video and audio matrix, combining the flexibility of an IP-based system with the integration-friendly video and audio switching features found in conventional Extron matrix switchers.

L-Acoustics P1

The multifunctional P1 AVB processor and measurement platform has established itself as an indispensable tool for many audio pros. Designed from the very start to be compliant with Avnu Alliance’s new Milan interoperability protocol, P1 became one of the very first two products on the market to officially receive Milan certification through Avnu Alliance as a fully compliant Milan device earlier this year, according to the company.

EvertzAV NUCLEUS Platform

EvertzAV recently introduced three new additions to the NUCLEUS platform. The UXP-TRXS-USB2-P is a transceiver with video (HDMI/SDI), audio, serial, USB HID, and USB 2.0 capabilities. The UXP-TXS transmitters and UXP-RXS receivers are cost-effective, single-channel HDMI gateways with serial functionality. In addition to being compact and quiet standalone devices that can be remotely powered using PoE+, all three gateways support resolutions up to 4K and can be deployed on 1GbE and 2.5GbE networks.

Hall Research POLARIS-1

The Hall Research POLARIS-1 is an IP controller with internal web servers to support up to 32 users simultaneously. Designed for GUI control of large AV-over-IP installations, it enables administrators to create various zones or rooms and assign displays to each zone. Display names and video source names are programmable. Layouts or maps can also be uploaded to aid users in identifying the physical position of the displays in each zone. Each specific user can be assigned the zones that they are allowed to view and control. Users can access the controller using any browser from any smart device.

DVIGear DisplayNet DN-150-TX-Quad

The DisplayNet DN-150-TX-Quad is an HDMI SDVoE Input module for the Netgear M4300-96X network switch. Compatible with all SDVoE systems, this module adds four HDMI input ports to the Netgear M4300-96X network switch, enabling lossless, zero-frame-latency matrix switching for 8-bit 4K60 signals with 4:4:4 color sampling. The DN-150-TX-Quad delivers excellent value, and is equivalent to four standalone DN-150-TX units, at half of the cost per port, and with significantly higher physical density. DisplayNet Manager SDVoE Controller software enables easy access to advanced SDVoE features, with a web-based user interface and transparent access to the DisplayNet API.

Just Add Power Warp Engine

Just Add Power’s Warp Engine is a 1RU transmitter/receiver that allows installers to easily deploy video walls with eye-catching designs featuring mixed-and-matched display models mounted at any angle. With the Warp Engine, installers can rotate any HDMI source—cable boxes, media players, game systems, cameras, and more—in a Just Add Power matrix in 0.1-degree increments in real time to achieve incredibly low latency. The rotated image can then be sent to an unlimited number of receivers in the network, allowing for the creation of massive artistic video walls using a single Warp Engine.

Vaddio EasyIP

Vaddio’s EasyIP Ecosystem includes AV-over-IP solutions that are designed to be easy to use, easy to install, and provide industry-leading video quality. EasyIP products send audio and video over IP, eliminating the need for more expensive video switchers, controllers, and extension systems. Joining the EasyIP Ecosystem in summer 2020 are the all-new EasyIP Mixer and EasyIP CeilingMIC D. 

Neutrik Milan

As an open standard and collaborative effort, Milan is continuously evolving, and members are focused on finding new ways to make the protocol an even better solution for end users. A Milan Module certification program was recently developed, for example, and made available for manufacturers that wish to implement a Milan-certified module into their device and submit for certification, without having to go through the full certification testing. This will help speed the adoption and growth of certified product availability.

SAVI Controls SAVI 3

Coming in August, SAVI will debut its next-generation system, SAVI 3. Built with deep commercial AV expertise, SAVI 3 streamlines installation, programming, and expense with simple programming tools, intuitive end-user software to manage the system on site, and a whole new line of hardware. To unveil this system, SAVI will host SAVI.Connect on August 26, a virtual event that will showcase demonstrations and online booth tours for a hands-on, immersive look at the cutting-edge SAVI 3 system.

WolfVision vSolution MATRIX

vSolution Matrix is a unique AV-over-IP solution for active learning classrooms, meeting spaces, and courtrooms that is designed to be cost effective, easy to install, intuitive, and enjoyable to use. Multiple WolfVision Cynap and Cynap Core presentation and collaboration appliances can be deployed to stream video and audio between screens, using a unique and highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes controlling multiscreen working and learning environments with up to 40 individual workstations easier than ever before.

ZeeVee ZyPer

The ZeeVee ZyPer product families provide a market-proven solution for the distribution and management of AV over IP, including support for uncompressed 4K, UHD, and 1080p in a variety of form factors and input types. Evolved from decades of experience in video encoding and IP networking, ZyPer enables AV and IT integrators to rapidly deploy AV solutions of unlimited scale, unsurpassed performance, and unrivaled reliability over industry-standard IP networks. A robust feature set includes built-in support for video walls, multiview, zones, signal transport over cable or fiber, and a network management platform that speeds and simplifies system setup and expansion.

MuxLab has launched a new dealer portal to ease the buying process for dealers and integrators across the U.S. 

“We are pleased and excited to launch MuxLab's new B2B dealer portal allowing 24/7 shopping access across all MuxLab product lines to dealers and integrators in the USA.” said MuxLab president Daniel Assaraf. 

MuxLab says it is focused on staying connected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and is doing everything it can to ease the buying process for dealers and integrators across the U.S. The Canadian site is set to launch in a couple of weeks and will provide the same features to dealers and integrators in Canada. 

The B2B portal allows for convenient online shopping and dealers must submit an application to be approved in order to shop on the portal. 

To learn more, visit portal.muxlab.com.

As AV over IP continues to become the standard for video transmission, the question has remained: which network should be the standard for AV over IP? We reached out to leading manufacturers of networked AV solutions to ascertain the status of the AV over IP transition.

Arista: Paul Shu, President

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

Rarely are any two systems identical. Every application has different video quality requirements as well as latency tolerance—and let’s not forget the difference in network infrastructure. There simply is no “one-size-fits-all” way to approach matters. Thus, Arista provides 1Gb and 10Gb products to fit whatever the application requirements happen to be.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

If the application is not particularly sensitive to latency and does not have the infrastructure to support the 10Gb bandwidth requirement, then 1Gb bandwidth should be adequate. For applications that require perfect color and very low latency and future-proofing for whatever the changing circumstances may become, then the focus should be on building up 10Gb network infrastructure to support high-quality video.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

Arista provides a broad range of AV-over-IP solutions to meet different video quality requirements and network bandwidth constraints. This ensures the best possible fit for any given network infrastructure while providing integrators with a comprehensive range of options to fit budget and other considerations.

What you need to know about AV over IP convergence

ATEN Technology: YT Liang, Senior Product Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

1Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

We wouldn’t say there are “drawbacks” of 1Gb or 10Gb solutions, but rather it’s more about choosing the right one based on your application and scenario. 10Gb does less compression on video content so it has higher video quality and less latency (spending less time on compressing and decompressing), but it requires higher bandwidth and is more expensive. 1Gb, on the contrary, is more cost effective with visually lossless video. The compression is not detectable to the eyes and appears identical to the uncompressed data.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs?

There are two things to consider first when deciding between 1Gb and 10Gb solutions: compression and latency. If you need uncompressed video or close to zero latency, 10Gb would be the better choice. However, if visually lossless compression and 1 to 2 frames (about 15–30ms) latency is OK, you can go for 1Gb. So, even if we’re talking about the same vertical market, if the application is different, the solution would be different. Take healthcare as an example. If you are doing digital signage in healthcare, 1Gb is good, but if you are doing clinical reviews in healthcare, you may consider 10Gb.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The main goal of ATEN Technology’s AV-over-IP solution is providing easy-to-configure and install solutions for both the pro AV system integrator and IT. Push buttons help you to finish the switching without the hassle of needing an IP address. The daisy chain capabilities on the receivers help save the cables and extend to further distance if needed. The built-in web server allows the configuration of the AV-over-IP extenders without the need to install another software on a laptop. Moreover, if you want to do a quick configuration on your smartphone, we also have an AV-over-IP mobile app. All of these things aim to reduce the time and overhead of system integrators on AV-over-IP installations.

Advantages of a 1Gb Ethernet Network Backbone

Atlona: David Shamir, Director of Product Management

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

1Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

1Gb is the practical choice and offers many features and benefits that will keep it as the go-to technology for years to come. 1Gb networks are easily accessible, widely deployed throughout enterprises and facilities, allow PoE for remotely powering OmniStream encoders and decoders, and are cost-friendly. This is a huge CapEx advantage for companies with existing Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable infrastructure, which readily allows 4K content distribution over long distances. The main advantage of 10Gb is by providing the trunks that enable large amounts of data to be carried between network switches in an IT equipment room or closet. Although prices are coming down for 10Gb network switches, they remain more expensive and not widely implemented for cabling, switches, or endpoints at the edge of an enterprise or corporate network. Additionally, PoE is only available with a select few of the newest 10Gb network switches.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Each organization’s IT operation needs to make this call based on the greater needs for communication and productivity. 1GbE network remains a more cost-effective infrastructure, and IT managers should consider 1GbE technology if they have budgetary constraints. OmniStream provides the CIO or IT management team the opportunity to utilize cost-effective network infrastructure already in place.

OmniStream also offers some distinguishing features ideal for IT operations. These include streaming and network redundancy with automatic failover, forward error correction (FEC) for performance and reliability over large networks, AES-128 encryption, and IEEE 802.1x authentication for network security. 

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

AV over IP offers undisputable advantages for system scalability, flexibility, and overcoming traditional signal distance limitations. There is additionally reduced capital outlay for medium to large AV system designs. OmniStream offers the ability to route not only AV signals, but also control, digital audio, and USB signals with uncompromised 4K video over IP performance, near-zero latency, built-in security, and network error resilience.

Aurora Multimedia: Paul Harris, CEO and CTO

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

Aurora has chosen to focus on both 1Gb and 10Gb because each has its purpose based on the application and expectation of the client. 1Gb is currently a more economical solution, delivering visually lossless video that looks very good at a reasonable latency that is still very good to the human eye at one to two frames. However, 1Gb is limited in bandwidth for future higher resolutions and refresh rates, as the compression will need to increase, in turn degrading the image quality. 10Gb is great for future proofing infrastructure for HDMI 2.1 at 8K and 4K120 (1Gb will be 50:1 compression). It also can deliver a full 480Mbps USB 2.0 with the content, 1Gb Ethernet per drop point, windowing, zero-frame latency, and perfect image quality regardless of motion or test patterns. 10Gb pricing will continue to drop and is already at similar price points to 4K60 4:4:4 1Gb solutions.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

1Gb is best for budget constraints while still delivering a quality image. Most organizations do not need 4K60 4:4:4 high-end 1Gb solutions, and can use the 1Gb 4K30 4:4:4/4K60 4:2:0 solutions, which are priced much more affordably. For the typical usage, having a higher refresh rate at the 4K resolution to show power points, surf the web, and even watch a movie is not necessary in those environments. Also, keep in mind the VTC is highly compressed and refresh rate reduced due to the bandwidth, so it will not achieve the same expectations as locally. Only users on site will benefit from the better quality of images distributed room to room.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

Aurora 1Gb and 10Gb solutions are enterprise-class products made right in our own facility in New Jersey. We differ with our transceiver topology, which allows us to limit the SKUs making serviceability and troubleshooting easier. Even our wall plates are transceivers, which allows us to reverse the direction of the video feeds, making it very powerful. Aurora innovated this technology over five years ago and has innovated many other technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.

Black Box: Jonathan McCune, Director of Product Management, AV & Infrastructure

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

We are continuing to have focus on both 1Gb and 10Gb solutions, but there are benefits and drawbacks to both. 1Gb solutions can offer high-quality 4K video and low latency on a 1Gb network infrastructure, but you’re typically sacrificing something for that—in most cases, it’s bandwidth. Ask any IT professional and they’ll tell you that having both AV and IT data on a 1Gb network will cause major bandwidth restrictions. To get around this, they typically maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise. A 10Gb solution eliminates any compromise between low latency, low bandwidth, and high video quality, as well as the need to maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise. A common concern with 10Gb solutions is the required upgrade to a 10Gb network infrastructure; however, 10Gb networks are now more common and becoming the standard in new builds.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

I hate to be on both sides of the fence on this one, but it’s very contingent on the organization and on whether they’re constrained by an immediate budget restraint or whether an investment now would ultimately be more cost-effective in the long run. Adding 1Gb solutions on an existing network will be less of an investment in the short term; however, upgrading to a 10Gb solution will ensure that the organization is set up for future network expansion and the increasing AV demands. A 10Gb solution also allows AV and data payloads to exist on the same IT network, which reduces network management time and costs.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The Black Box MCX solution delivers up to 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video over 10GbE (or higher) with the lowest latency and switch times available in the AV marketplace. The system eliminates the need to compromise between latency, bandwidth, and video quality, as well as the need to maintain dual networks to support AV and IT data independently across the enterprise. MCX makes it possible to handle video walls, video extension (point-to-point and point-to-multipoint), and digital signage on an IT network. Because MCX uses SDVoE to distribute AV signals over IP networks, integrators and IT teams can create dramatically new architectures and user experiences at the speed and quality that pro AV applications demand. As a software-controlled system, MCX brings not only flexibility, but also infinite scalability that allows for unrestricted expansion.

Crestron: Josh Stene, Vice President of Marketing

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

1Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

The benefit of standardizing on a 1Gb network is that 1Gb is the standard for customers today. Developing a solution that uses what they already have not only cuts costs, but also decreases deployment time. We took on the complexity of developing a 1Gb solution and successfully transmitting 4K content over the network without impacting the image quality or increasing latency, because it benefits our customers. With over 180,000 endpoints deployed all over the world, Crestron has designed a dependable solution that is perfect for the enterprise and educational space by simply using what is already there.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

With a solution that is built to perform on a 1Gb network, organizations can continue to introduce technology into new spaces without having to worry about new wiring and budget constraints. With Crestron’s multi-layer technology, our AV-over-IP solution goes beyond AV including data, control, and USB connectivity that allows organizations to add conferencing cameras, headsets, keyboards, and mass storage devices with ease.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

Crestron’s AV-over-IP solutions provide managers with a secure, flexible, and scalable platform that can easily grow and shift with their organization’s needs. Unlike any other 1Gb solution, DM NVX provides dealers and integrators with the robust platform they need to design and deploy the most intuitive spaces.

Extron: Joe da Silva, Director of Product Marketing

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

By offering solutions that work on 1Gb and 10Gb networks, Extron is able to tailor the exact design to the network conditions of the end user. Many customers want to use a 1Gb solution, since it is more common to see that data rate supported to the access layer of the network. Other customers demand the mathematically lossless performance of a 10Gb system and are willing to use dedicated infrastructure as part of the deployment.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Most networked AV products are intended for LAN distribution, so that application is different from videoconferencing. That said, it is more economical to deploy 1Gb solutions. Long-term, it could mean that the customer must upgrade their network and encoders/decoders if they want to support higher resolutions at low compression ratios (e.g. mathematically lossless vs. visually lossless.)

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The Extron NAV Series provides opportunities to leverage AV-over-IP solutions onto existing network infrastructure while also being able to deliver the visual performance of a more traditional circuit-switched product.

Gefen: Jason Fitzgerald, Product Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Currently 1Gb, but considering adopting 10Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

1Gb network infrastructures in our serviceable markets far outweigh the adoption of 10Gb systems, in terms of current availability and new installations. This made the decision to provide a 1Gb solution simple. Gefen has been developing and providing the AV industry with AV-over-IP products for over six years, and all of them have leveraged 1Gb Ethernet networks. With the majority of addressable Ethernet networks operating at 1Gb, a solution that fits this bandwidth limit has the highest degree of applicability. Cost is the major drawback for 10Gb solutions, for both an endpoint and the infrastructure standpoint. However, the requirements of a project and reliance on an existing or newly installed Ethernet network need to be considered when choosing a solution. A higher education, campus-wide installation may already leverage the bandwidth and capacity that 10Gb and faster networks can provide, while a smaller retail outlet may only require a 1Gb infrastructure to manage its needs. If these networks already exist, the benefit for 1Gb solutions in both of these installations is that is can be installed in both cases.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Either can make sense depending on the true requirements of a project, but 1Gb AV-over-IP solutions simply require less bandwidth to operate. If budget and bandwidth are the top priority, then 1Gb will win every time. The search for more efficient means of data transfer is a never-ending road, and while 10Gb and faster Ethernet networks may become the standard in the future, and new technologies will arise, today 1Gb is still king.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

In a word, Gefen’s AV-over-IP solution offers flexibility. With a range of products that are completely interoperable, AV/IT managers have no worry about the types of devices that they need to connect to an AV-over-IP network. Whether the application is for workstation management, or simply a digital signage deployment, Gefen’s AV-over-IP family of products includes individual HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and VGA solutions that are ready to work with any source or display without the need for external conversion boxes or adapter cables. The ability to seamlessly convert any of these connection standards from one to another opens a new level of compatibility within an organization or project that allows everything to seamlessly work together.

Advantages of a 10 Gb Ethernet Network Backbone

Hall Research: A.J. Shelat, VP of Sales

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

1Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

We selected a 1Gb design to achieve a price point per screen that would fit most applications today. While a 10Gb video performance is higher, the cost of the product and networking infrastructure to achieve a 4:4:4 60Hz product was much higher and most sources were not providing that resolution. The cost benefit was better for 1Gb; however, now that the cost of 1Gb and 10Gb network switches are coming down, that may change. Also, chip technology improvements may soon be seen, so we assume that this may bring the AV-over-IP costs down and lower the costs of a more robust system.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Budget is the main reason to go with 1Gb. You may be compromising image quality a little, but it is often absolutely fine for the price. As stated before, the 10Gb system with 10Gb network switch is a significant price jump that may be unnecessary if you do not need very high resolutions on a large screen. Many current applications work well at a 1Gb level.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

AV over IP allows the system to be more scalable than the traditional cross-point switches. While it offers greater flexibility, it actually opens the door for more questions. Do you want to create a separate network or a separate VLAN, or is this so outside the comfort zone and needs that it is unnecessary to install AV over IP and a traditional hardware extension system is a better fit for the install? It ultimately rests with the experiences of the AV/IT manager as to what they have become comfortable installing. AV over IP is becoming easier to implement as manufacturers have jumped in to offer classes on AV over IP and have designed an easier product to implement, and more information is now available as the market matures. Overall, integrators have improved their abilities and manufacturers have given them workable tools.

IHSE: Dan Holland, Marketing Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Our main offering is based 1Gb standard with advanced 3Gb for higher resolutions and 10Gb for fiber CWDM mux/demux grid cards and next-gen KVM matrix systems.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

By far, 1Gb is our most popular offerings based on cost vs. performance. IHSE’s compression techniques and efficient FPGA technology can satisfy the majority of projects demanding low latency and top-grade audio/video quality. However, for control rooms and high-end production environments focused on 4K and beyond, IHSE offers their XV series based on 3Gb. The XV series can satisfy high-end graphic workstations at 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 with extremely low latency and switch times. These systems perform well with standard 4K systems while allowing enough bandwidth to support 5K 60Hz. Additionally, IHSE recently announced its advanced 1080p240Hz extenders for esports and gaming that operate over the XV series. IHSE also offers 10Gb grid cards that allow up to eight channels of 1Gb to be transmitted over a single duplex fiber optic cable.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs?

For those who have budget constraints, the 1Gb bandwidth supports most current KVM display management requirements up to 1080p60. With many organizations utilizing virtual machines or accessing computers via RDP or SSH, IHSE’s CPU Gateway product offers one of the best cost-effective solutions for 1Gb networks to share local and remote sources over a hybrid baseband/IP networked KVM system. For applications requiring higher resolutions such as 4K, 5K, and even 8K, IHSE utilizes a bridge card that integrates 1Gb sources and 3Gb sources for full accessibility from any local source while seamlessly including sources connected to a LAN or WAN.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution?

With the acceleration of multi-screen high-end workstations and the need to keep information accessible and secure at the same time, it is imperative for manufacturers to help AV/IT managers find what they are looking for in the fastest and easiest way possible. The best KVM solution connects all the sources to a dedicated KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) network which runs in parallel to the client LANs with integrated secure gateway extenders to include IP connected devices. Computers are connected using standard hardware interfaces and cable infrastructure. Video and audio connectivity is completely non-intrusive to house networks, working without software installations and without regard to PC operating systems or hardware versions. This allows the KVM switch system to move data faster and better with uninterrupted high quality workflow during critical situations. And because the AV/IT managers are accountable for the money spent to build and operate these systems, the IHSE systems are demonstrably cost-effective.

Just Add Power: Taft Stricklin, Sales Team Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

Building out your network is quite important. As installers price out 10Gb fiber to pull to each TV location and deal with high cost of goods and skilled labor to make the fiber work, we have designed our products to work on a gigabit network without quality loss by segregating the traffic. Be careful with your design and get educated before you start installing products onto a network. Nothing is worse than slowing or killing a client’s network that they rely upon 100 percent to work 100 percent of the time.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

While running a fiber IP infrastructure certainly provides more bandwidth, all that video traffic is still living together on that 10Gb line. Installing a fiber line alone will not improve quality. The key to ensuring pristine quality of the stream requires segregating and dedicating 1Gb of the network for every video source.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

As FHD and 4K pushes into more and more offices, this is where AV-over-IP infrastructure perhaps makes the most compelling argument. An AV-over-IP infrastructure that’s been built to provide proper source segregation will mean a bit more expensive network backbone upfront, but it’s also ready to take on developing video formats. Using specified network switches along with cost-effective video-over-IP endpoints built for forward and backward compatibility for video formats, users can easily step into 4K as display options and UHD content continue to morph forward, because the system can be scaled to meet a wide range of format requirements. Not every screen has to be 4K ready; instead, they can set up a mixed environment with an older 1080p projector or display, yet still support ultra HD signals for that blazingly crisp 4K display and support content with high dynamic range (HDR). This is a scalable approach that’s designed to get out ahead of today’s fast video evolution.

KanexPro: Manny Hernandez, Sr. Product Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

The key to success is to offer the right solutions for the client. 1Gb systems are an affordable way to deploy a large number of nodes over an existing network. When simple functions like distributing 1080p video or static images, a 1Gb AV-over-IP system is going to be ideal. 1Gb systems are limited by the bandwidth available in the system and they rely on high compression formats like H.264 and H.265 protocols. These are powerful tools because they can be deployed in environments where the installation has not been certified. The downside to using 1Gb is that there will be an inherent latency introduced into the operation of the system. The system will experience momentary blackouts and non-uniform switching times when switching from one source to another. A 10Gb system, on the other hand, is more than just an extender; 10Gb SDVoE-based systems are more like full-fledged HDMI matrix solutions, with the key difference being that deployment and scalability are significantly more affordable and reliable when done over a certified network installation.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

1Gb systems make most sense when there are tight budget constraints and there is a requirement for system expansion in the future. The 1Gb system is best used for digital signage, hospitality, and general entertainment environments where the functional speed and quality of the picture is not a high priority. 10Gb systems offer frameless switching, multiview, picture-in-picture, and zero latency performance, which make these systems ideal for medical environments, videoconferencing, and intricate video displays where complex video scaling is needed.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

AV-over-IP solutions are the future of AV technology. System integration is made easy by using the existing networking backbone that is already installed in the majority of buildings, saving the need to run expensive and unreliable HDMI cables susceptible to EMI/RFI interferences. AV-over-IP solutions allow administrators to control systems remotely without the need to perform expensive physical service calls.

Kramer Electronics: David Margolin, VP of Marketing

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

As network bandwidths continue to increase and compression technologies evolve, we understand that the IP highway will eventually become the path for AV. We strive to educate and support the community with the most robust, reliable, and flexible solutions available. We don’t limit our solutions to exclusively one codec or one approach. We offer the entire range, from JPEG2000, H.264, H.265, to SDVoE, covering every application requirement.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The newest 10Gb solution is Kramer’s KDS-8, a zero-latency, 4K60 (4:4:4) streaming transceiver using SDVoE technology. KDS-8 comes as an encoder in default mode, with the ability to easily switch to a decoder at the touch of a button. It brings a full range of connectivity options as well as the benefit of being future-proof with the power and versatility to handle high data packages. It is HDCP 2.2 compliant with HDR support and features Genlock and Fastswitch modes. The managed network switch provides multicast, jumbo frames, IGMP snooping, and fast leave. Analog audio embedding provides an unbalanced analog audio port for embedding audio into the streaming signal. Bi-directional IR over IP lets users control an IR device located on the decoder side from the encoder, and vice versa. KDS-8 also offers video wall and multiview support.

Kramer’s 1Gb solutions include the KDS-EN6 encoder and KDS-DEC6 decoder, which stream 4K60 (4:2:0) video, audio, IR, RS-232, and USB over IP with HDCP 2.2 in unicast (one-to-one) or multicast (many-to-many) configurations. 

Matrox Graphics: Samuel A. Recine, Director of Sales, Americas & Asia Pacific

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Matrox has AV-over-IP technologies for compressions levels ranging from less than 100Mb to 1Gb, and up to 25Gb and 40Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

Matrox embraces all the major AV-over-IP technologies including uncompressed and top-grade compression. What we see in practice is that sub-100Mb and sub-1Gb technologies satisfy the majority of projects in terms of latency and audio/video quality—including PC text and performance 3D and video. And the completely uncompressed technologies allow organizations to work in the most demanding applications like live television broadcasting, medical, and live events. It’s also at the 25Gb and 40Gb uncompressed level that the earliest 8K work is being done. Eventually this will trickle down to broader applications, including various compression options. But, for the time being, interoperability of performance media is optimal in raw for 8K.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Each of the main technologies (sub-100Mb, sub-1Gb, and uncompressed over-25Gb and 40Gb) are optimal for budgets in different scenarios. There is no question that sub-100Mb products offer the most logical solution for high node count and multi-site applications. When networks can get noisy or when deterministic performance must be sustained for large deployments, bit rate is always important. Also, for wireless applications or mixed-mode operations with IT networks, this is the best price-performance fit. Sub-1Gb is the most popular node in the market for low-cost endpoints with reasonable network density. The performance is great and it can scale nicely. When applications require manipulating video in raw, uncompressed formats and interoperability of different specialized equipment is in service, then the network bandwidth can be what it needs to be to serve those applications. In this case, standards-based video with real industry interoperability is the best price-performance.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

Easy. Easy to install; easy to get running; easy to scale; easy to program with many options for applications, APIs, and third-party hardware and software support; easy to maintain; easy to hybridize; and easy to support.

MuxLab: Joe Teixeira, VP of Business Development & Product Management

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

A 1Gb network is going to be ideal when you can accept compression, while a 10Gb network is the powerhouse that supports uncompressed delivery of 4K content.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

One of the great things about MuxLab is that we offer a wide variety of solutions that support both 1Gb and 10Gb networks. We can actually tailor a solution to meet budget requirements. For example, a streaming 4K video wall in a railway command center includes a 16-display video wall, running 24/7. Our 4K over IP PoE Extender Kits transmit data via a 1Gb Ethernet switch. Using an IP-based solution, it was very cost-effective, and is completely scalable. They can swap in and out MuxLab equipment to take advantage of a 10Gb network or stay with the 1Gb.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

MuxLab has the most complete line of AV-over-IP solutions, and we’re refining it all the time. All of our models are controlled by a single central controller that vastly simplifies tasks such as discovery, configuration, firmware upgrades, and access and control. Our solutions are competitively priced, and integrators have access to our internal technical support and our engineers for expertise when they need it.

QSC: Trent Wagner, Audio Product Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

1Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

Until capacity or scale demands it, and until 10Gb infrastructure is widespread and cost-effective, 1Gb is sufficient to conform to the needs and standards of most modern AV transports. That said, 10Gb and 40Gb do have a place in larger facilities for uses outside of AV devices. At this point in the industry, the cost-benefit trade-offs just don’t make sense for the application.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

A 10Gb infrastructure may be required at the core depending upon central capacity, trunking, or aggregation needs, or for heavy or un-optimized video transports. For general processing and endpoints in the system, 1Gb is still sufficient for most organizations.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The QSC Q-SYS Ecosystem is the only integrated audio, video, and control platform in the industry that’s built on standard off-the-shelf IT hardware and network infrastructure, allowing it to easily integrate with other IT platforms. It offers a flexible software foundation that scales simply and cost effectively, while reducing the need for dedicated hardware and eliminating the complex integration workarounds that are common to traditional AV&C solutions. Furthermore, by utilizing a native Q-SYS system across the entire signal chain, end users can take advantage of a system that was built to work together, offering greater system stability and maximized system performance.

Rose Electronics: Mike Rohal, Marketing Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

With so many diverse applications, use cases for both 1Gb and 10Gb networks exist. Displays for digital signage, or video walls and servers, or control computers are typically 1080p and run well on 1Gb networks. Advanced desktops, eye-level kiosks, medical, broadcast, and industrial are 4K or migrating to it and can benefit from 10Gb networks. Ultimately, one must consider the main driver of the system, be it performance (resolution and latency), cost, display type, or cabling. Certain features may apply only to one speed, such as a multiviewer function on 10Gb and PoE on 1Gb networks.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

For existing installations, the decision on network speed is often made by the cabling. New installations should go to 10Gb cabling, on which 1Gb infrastructure can still be run. If certain applications are too slow due to a network bottleneck, then a cost-versus-benefit decision must be made. In time, migration to a higher bandwidth will naturally occur due to lowered pricing and mass-market acceptance.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

Rose offers three different AV-over-IP systems with varying price points and features. Control is done by a central network app or local keyboard and mouse. USB peripherals, serial, and infrared are standard. To achieve the optimum solution, some installations utilize other products such as matrix or KVM switches, AOC cables, or other extenders and video processing products. Since Rose is willing to customize its products and has very long product life cycles, the customer can create streamlined systems that perform and last for years.

Silex Insight: Tom Vanthuyne, Business Development Manager

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both, as well as for 2.5Gb networks.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

As mentioned, we’re not giving more focus to the 1Gb or 10Gb solution. We are offering both (also the 2.5Gb) and it really depends on the implementation of the solution what we recommend.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Seen from a pure budget constraint, we would recommend 1Gb; this is a cheaper implementation as the switches and cabling are less expensive. Again, it really depends on each use case. If there is a need for a lot of data transfer, then 10Gb is of course needed.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

We are already offering many benefits using our solutions, with ongoing development of new features. These include zero latency of less than 3ms; support for various codecs including our own in-house video codec (JPEG 2000, VC-2 HQ); AES 256 encryption for maximum security; HDCP compliance; enterprise-grade 802.1x authentication; scalable forward-error correction to support poor IT infrastructure; SMPTE 2110 open-standard AV transport and uncompressed audio through AES67 protocol; HDR support for standards such as Dolby Vision; and over-the-air updates for already installed units.

ZeeVee: Bob Michaels, CEO

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

Both.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

We’ve made the decision not to choose, and instead focus on customer needs. Based upon the requirements we have seen over the last six years, 10Gb solutions deliver uncompressed video just like a traditional matrix switch. In fact, in numerous deployments, the color depth, pixel quality, and latency associated with uncompressed 4K that runs over a 10Gb network is the only suitable direction to meet customer expectations. Having a 1Gb solution is beneficial when an end user does not have the capacity to move to a 10Gb infrastructure. Even for some of our 1Gb deployments, a 10Gb infrastructure can prove beneficial for campus-wide video distribution.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

Much of the attention in the 1Gb-versus-10Gb debate has been focused on cost, but the delta between the two is not as significant after a full assessment of a customer’s needs. For those looking for a solution that offers the ability to distribute uncompressed video with sub-millisecond latency, more attention needs to be directed at the per-port cost-effectiveness of IP versus HDbaseT. A 10Gb solution may also provide cost-effective future-proofing as end users’ needs change.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

No other company has the experience or has made the investment we have in developing AV-over-IP products. ZeeVee is a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance and one of the first manufacturers to offer these products. Where many manufacturers have been introducing AV-over-IP products in the last two years, our third generation line of award-winning HD to Ultra-HD/4K solutions for the pro AV and IT marketplace have been battle-tested, honed, and shaped by end users and integrators for more than five years and are serving users on five continents in a variety of challenging applications—including operating room theaters, higher education, large enterprises, museums, retail, bars and restaurants, and even high-end residential and yachts. Our management platform requires no programming nor training, enabling integrators and end users to configure a system in minutes.

Zigen: Vanessa Zitzmann, Marketing & Sales

Is your networked AV product roadmap designed for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet networks?

10Gb.

Why have you chosen to focus on 1Gb/10Gb? What are the benefits of your choice and the drawbacks of the other?

To have the virtually zero latency and 1:1 compression that Zigen is known for, we utilize a 10Gb network. We chose to focus on engineering the 10Gb network because we believe in developing the highest quality product to allow our engineers to think outside the box and bring the best possible solution to market without constraints. The benefits of a 10Gb network versus a 1Gb are based on the needs of the application. The 10Gb network allows our solution to have 1:1 (up to 1.4:1 at 4K60) compression of data, which translates to better video and audio quality. 10Gb provides sufficient bandwidth margin that enables us to include other enhanced protocols including AES67, USB 2.0, and 1Gb Ethernet to share the same AV-over-IP network. 10Gb will also allow room for growth within the application and future technology, allowing you to be on the front end of expanding the network as the technology evolves.

Which choice makes the most sense for organizations with budget constraints but increasing videoconferencing, data transfer, and virtualization needs? 

When it comes to the decision on 1Gb versus 10Gb, it depends on what the organization is looking for in terms of quality of audio, video, size of the application, future growth of the company (need for more bandwidth) and the expectations they have on the solution’s performance. The perceived sticker shock on a 10Gb network can be smoothed over when the limitations of the 1Gb network are explained and the additional costs that will be accrued to compensate.

What is the value proposition for AV/IT managers with your AV-over-IP solution? 

The value proposition for Zigen’s IP-Logic solution is simply that our patent-pending technology integrates both SDVoE and AES67 on the same network, thereby reducing network infrastructure cost. Any managed 10Gb switch will work with our platform, allowing the dealer to choose. Having Zigen’s new audio matrix (AV over IP) on the same control graphical user interface will also save time, space, and money in your installation. The IP-Logic is a one-stop AV-over-IP solution.

The What: MuxLab has released the Network Controller (model 500812), designed to bring together all MuxLab AV-over-IP-connected equipment installed on a local area network (LAN), and make each device accessible from anywhere when using the MuxControl App on a smartphone or tablet. It runs on a Linux-based system that provides a user-friendly web interface designed to simplify even the most complex AV tasks.

The What Else: The Network Controller’s auto-discovery feature scans the network and automatically identifies all MuxLab AV-over-IP equipment. Users can then more easily configure and control these products and their connected devices such as sources and displays through the Controller. 

The Network Controller works hand in hand with the MuxControl App, also designed by MuxLab and available for both iOS and Android. This app supports all of the features of the Network Controller from any smart phone or tablet, while offering additional capabilities to enhance ease of use. MuxControl supplies an intuitive graphical interface that replicates exact installations by uploading a photo of the environment. Users can also use preloaded interior layouts or create their own. Source equipment is automatically color coded and displays take on the source’s color when connected. Rooms can be completely configured and easily navigated by swiping from room to room. MuxControl also supports configurable virtual handheld remote controls with unique button configurations that enable users to customize their remote controls with button shapes, colors, and more, then customize what each button controls, putting creativity and control in the hands of users and integrators. 

The Network Controller can also be managed with MuxLab’s 8-Button IP PoE Control Panel (model 500816-IP), a wall-mounted device that makes for a tidy, tailored installation. Each button is programmable and allows integrators to streamline the installation by supporting IP, RS-232, IR, and Relay-based commands that manage the Network Controller and other controllable devices. The control panel buttons can be configured and managed via a web interface allowing individual programming and IR learning. The Network Controller also supports an API for popular third-party app integration. 

The Bottom Line: With the Network Controller, users can create everything from expansive video walls and virtual matrixed systems to more simple AV installations. Repetitive or custom tasks can be configured and saved as presets to be instantly recalled at any time, streamlining connectivity management. The Network Controller can also send RS-232 and IR commands to Muxlab AV-over-IP devices to turn connected AV equipment on and off, such as sources and displays.

The What: MuxLab is shipping its new HDMI/Dante over IP PoE Transmitter, UHD-4K (model 500759-TX-Dante). This solution delivers HDMI at up to 4K at 30Hz (4:4:4) together with Dante audio signals to create an independently distributed AV network. High Dynamic Range imaging supports a wider range of luminosity to improve visuals. Content is delivered with a one-frame latency for a visually lossless performance.

The What Else: Installation requires a connection to an Ethernet switch, so the entire system essentially rides on an IP infrastructure. MuxLab’s 4K Transmitter can connect to the switch using a standard Cat-5e/6 cable from up to 330 feet (100m) away. Each 4K Transmitter provides a two-channel stereo audio input. HDMI AV and two-channel Dante Audio can be independently distributed to hundreds of AV devices and Dante-supported audio devices respectively. The 4K Transmitter also supports PoE, eliminating power cords throughout the installation.

Users have a few options for configuration and control of the 4K Transmitter and its Dante-compatible equipment. The MuxLab Network Controller (500811 and 500812) and MuxControl App for iOS and Android can simplify configuration and management of all MuxLab AV-over-IP networks via any smart device. Both provide a user-friendly interface with many features available to create simple and even very complex video installations. RS-232 and directional IR can also be used for the remote control of end devices. The system is also compatible with third party control apps, and Dante audio can be managed via Audinate software.  

The Bottom Line: Based on network bandwidth, potentially hundreds of sources and displays can be integrated into the system, using one transmitter and one receiver (such as model 500759-RX) for each source and display. Various video wall and virtual matrix configurations can easily be set up and managed. Content can be delivered in point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint configurations. 

The What: MuxLab has begun shipping the new HDMI/USB over IP PoE Wall Plate Receiver, UHD-4K (model 500777-RX-WH). This wall plate comes in a white enclosure that mounts flush with the wall and provides one HDMI output, two USB 2.0 Type A connectors, two USB 1.1 Type A connectors, one RJ45S port for Ethernet connectivity, one RS-232 port, one directional IR port, plus a 3.5mm jack for audio-out. Though the receiver runs on PoE, an alternate power jack is included in case PoE is not utilized. 

The What Else: The Wall Plate Receiver works with MuxLab’s HDMI/VGA/USB over IP PoE Wall Plate Transmitter, UHD-4K (model 500777-TX-WH) and delivers 4K signal delivery with connectivity riding on a local Ethernet network. The USB ports support laptops, smart boards, and other USB equipment. All signals are delivered via the network to the devices connected to the wall plate receiver. 4K resolutions are delivered and can be up-scaled to 3840x2160 at 30Hz. This Wall Plate Receiver enables connectivity to displays, USB equipment, audio speakers, and other devices from up to 330 feet (100m) in distance. The RS-232 port and the directional IR port allows remote access and management of end devices. 

When connected to a local Ethernet and combined with MuxLab’s ProDigital Network Controller (model 500811), the entire system can be configured with automated device recognition and programmed for remote access and control. Combined with the MuxControl App, available for both iOS and Android systems, connectivity can be managed from near or far from any smart device. Systems can be password protected and pre-programed to perform automated tasks as needed. 

“The goal is to make the end user experience really simple yet with all the power available in more complex systems,” said MuxLab’s VP business development and product management Joe Teixeira. “Our Wall Plate Transmitters and Receivers are interoperable and every device on the network can be easily controlled from within the room, or even half way around the world, making for very transparent systems that maximize end user access.”

]The Bottom Line: Available now, MuxLab’s new HDMI/USB over IP PoE Wall Plate Receiver, UHD-4K is designed to alleviate behind-the-scenes cabling in the viewing environment and improve overall room aesthetics around the installation of 4K signal delivery.

The What: MuxLab has released a comprehensive new software system that is designed to make it easy to select, manage, and control many types of audiovisual content in a digital signage system. MuxLab’s 4K Digital Signage Media Player (model 500769) with DigiSign CMS software aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to driving better user experiences based on high functioning software with greater flexibility. 

The What Else: With DigiSign, content from various sources can be autonomously scheduled for weeks, offering an independent, "set-and-forget" functionality. Multi-view window layouts are supported and can be created with audio, video, and images, including text banners and logos. Content can play simultaneously from different sources on one display or many for video wall applications. 

The 4K Digital Signage Media Player's low bandwidth supports connectivity among a variety of today’s most popular sources for content. This includes streaming AV via the H.264/H.265 codec over a local Ethernet network or the internet as well as content loaded onto its internal memory drive or from an external USB 3.0 memory device. The entire system is HDMI 2.0 compatible with DigiSign supporting multiple window views and scheduling ability to automatically deliver customized windowed content based on a weekly schedule. Multiple video, audio, and image file formats can be displayed at any given time. Video is output up to 4K60 (4:4:4) and the player can upscale 1080p60 video to 4K60 (4:4:4). AV can be assigned to one display or delivered to MuxLab’s AV over IP transmitters to support virtual matrix and video wall configurations. 

“This digital signage system functions as a complete end-to-Mend solution, taking AV from various sources to a video wall configuration and various displays,” said MuxLab’s president, Daniel Assaraf. “By advancing our support for the hardware and software aspects of digital signage as well as the H.264/5 codec and 4K, we’re giving our customers the technologies they need for their future.”

The Bottom Line: DigiSign is engineered to provide users an intuitive interface in which to gather, load, and schedule content, and can handle everything from simple installations to highly sophisticated signage systems.  

The What: MuxLab has launched the HDMI Video Scaler, 4K/60 (model 500438), which delivers a straight connection between one source and one 4K display. 

The What Else: It enables HDMI sources to be viewed on 4K displays with upscaling to deliver video resolutions up to 4096x2160@60Hz, supporting up to  12-bit color. It can also downscale the output video if needed to 1024x768@60Hz.

Because this scaler extracts HD audio, it can be used as a link between the source, display, and a surround sound audio system. It extracts audio in both digital (Toslink) and analog (2CH 3.5mm jack) formats and passes through all audio formats up to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. 

“This scaler provides support for uncompressed 4K signal delivery that our customers were requesting,” said MuxLab’s director of product management, Joe Teixeira. “Everything we do here at MuxLab is built around customer demand and satisfaction, and in creating partnerships that will withstand the ever-changing technological landscape.”

Additional features include HDCP 2.2 compliance, an on-screen display configuration menu, and management via local push buttons or remotely via RS-232 with supporting a free Windows application. A USB port provides an easy method of implementing firmware updates for long-term usage.

The Bottom Line: Designed for both residential and commercial AV systems, the HDMI Video Scaler, 4K/60 supplies a quick and easy method of integrating older equipment with new 4K displays, or new 4K sources with older displays.

The What: MuxLab has launched the HDMI/RS232 Extender Kit with ARC, HDBT, UHD-4K, offering delivery of 4K video in the HDMI 2.0 format from source to display.

The What Else: Source and display can be connected remotely at resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz or 4K at 60Hz (4:2:0) resolution, and longer distances for resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz. Transmitter and receiver connect the source to the display using one CAT5e/6 cable.

The receiver can accept and return audio via both the HDMI and TosLink ports, and audio can be sent via the transmitter using the TosLink port. RS232 and Bi-directional IR enables remote control of end devices.

The Bottom Line: The Extender allows audio to be routed back to a receiver at the source side, which can connect directly to speakers. For intimate spaces and residential applications, it enables more immersive 4K viewing.

MuxLab’s HDMI/RS232 Extender Kit with ARC, HDBT, UHD-4K will begin shipping in Q4 2018.

The What: MuxLab has released its new MuxControl app. Now available for download, MuxControl is designed to give users complete control of their AV systems based on IP connectivity from any iOS or Android smart phone or tablet.

The What Else: Users can control the connectivity of their AV-over-IP installation using a color-coded graphical interface. Room layouts can be quickly tailored to match the actual environment. Simply take a picture of your room with your smartphone or tablet and instantly use it as a backdrop, or make use of an overhead floor plan view for larger installations. Connected displays automatically take on the color of the source they are connected to for simple identification.

“Enhancing the user experience via any mobile platform allows us to not only empower end users but provide integrators with a solution that they themselves can set up and turn over to their customers with full confidence in their ability to operate devices autonomously,” said MuxLab’s director of product management, Joe Teixeira.

Further personalizing the user experience for the customer, MuxControl allows users to create sources that can be graphically represented from a library of options. Content can then be instantly directed to specific zones using simple, color-coded icons that represent connected equipment. Birds-eye room layouts simplify the task of identifying equipment within a zone, or users can opt for the traditional listing of connected equipment. Onboard customizable templates include options for both residential and commercial installations.

The Bottom Line: The new software includes enhanced features such as the ability to support multiple zones, giving access to various locations from the palm of a hand— making even complex systems more convenient to control. Repetitive tasks can be preconfigured and instantly activated. Users can create expansive video walls of almost any size that support up to 4K60 resolutions.

Users can download the app for a one-time cost of $29.99.

The What: MuxLab has introduced two IP-based Uncompressed Gateway Converters for SDI and HDMI. Both solutions are designed to support the integration of AV equipment in commercial broadcast systems such as in TV stations and studio facilities.

The What Else: The HDMI 2.0/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter (model 500774) gives broadcasters the ability to deliver uncompressed HDMI 2.0 signals throughout the studio at 4K resolutions. Users can opt to connect equipment to a local 10Gb Ethernet network in which nearly unlimited sources and displays can be matrixed together to enable point to multipoint and multipoint to multipoint connections.

Connections to the local 10Gb Ethernet network is accomplished via multimode fiber at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance from the Ethernet switch using OM4 fiber. Alternatively, users can also connect one AV source to one display in a point-to-point arrangement at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance using one duplex multimode OM4 fiber with LC connectors. Both methods support uncompressed 4K resolutions at 60Hz. External audio can be inserted at the source and extracted at the display to accompany the video. One 1Gb Ethernet switch port is provided for the connection of additional network devices, as well an RS-232 port for the remote control of end devices.

The 3G-SDI/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter (model 500767) connects HD- and 3G-SDI sources and displays to a local 10Gb Ethernet network, enabling the ability to send multiple video sources to multiple displays in nearly any combination. Users can also opt to install this system in the traditional point-to-point way in which one AV source is delivered to one display using Cat-5e/6 cable from up to 100 feet (30m) in distance or by using duplex multimode fiber cable at up to 1,300 feet (400m) in distance. All methods of signal extension support uncompressed resolutions up to 1080p resolution at 60Hz. A 1Gb Ethernet switch allows the connection of additional network devices, and an RS-232 port allows for the remote control of end devices.

The Bottom Line: Both Gateway Converters support SMPTE ST-2110. When riding on an IP infrastructure, the 3G-SDI/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter can be accessed and controlled by MuxLab’s Pro Digital Network Controller (model 500811), which simplifies the configuration of IP-based systems and gives complete access from any smartphone, tablet, or third-party control system. Furthermore, the HDMI 2.0/ST2110 over IP Uncompressed Gateway Converter supports NMOS for third-party management. Both models will begin shipping in Q3 2018.